YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AS A FACTOR OF MACROECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE RECOVERY IN POSTWAR UKRAINE

Abstract

This article investigates the macroeconomic significance of youth employment in postwar Ukraine, with a specific focus on its impact on the recovery and continuous functioning of critical infrastructure systems. The urgency of the topic is determined by the unprecedented challenges facing the national labor market, including demographic decline, forced migration, and the growing mismatch between professional skills and structural labor demand. Particular attention is paid to the integration of young professionals into infrastructure-intensive sectors such as energy, communications, transportation, and construction, which are essential for ensuring national resilience and economic sustainability. The study applies a multidisciplinary methodology, combining content analysis of institutional frameworks, national recovery strategies, and labor market data with systemic assessment of workforce capacity and regional disparities. The findings reveal that despite the increasing vulnerability of the youth segment, it remains an underutilized strategic resource capable of accelerating innovation, rebuilding essential services, and contributing to fiscal recovery through expanded employment and human capital development. The research also outlines the limitations of current employment policies and vocational education initiatives, many of which remain fragmented and insufficiently aligned with macroeconomic priorities. The practical value of this study lies in its policy recommendations aimed at aligning youth labor market activation with national postwar reconstruction goals, promoting targeted institutional support, and reinforcing the long-term stability of infrastructure systems through integrated labor market planning. Strengthening mechanisms of youth engagement is also crucial for reversing the effects of brain drain and ensuring inclusive growth. As Ukraine moves forward with its reconstruction agenda, the role of young professionals must become central in shaping a resilient and future-ready economy. Their effective involvement in national rebuilding efforts will determine not only short-term recovery but also the strategic competitiveness of Ukraine in the global landscape.