Company heads are examining the challenges currently faced in youth employment in the Asia-Pacific region at a new forum.

Opening in Kyoto, Japan, yesterday (December 4th), the Leaders' Forum on Youth Employment at the 15th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (ARPM) of the International Labor Organization (ILO) is hoping to tackle to problem of a "mismatch" between available skills and employers' demands.

Noura Saleh Alturki, organization development manager for the Saudi Arabia-based Nesma Holding Company, explained lack of transferable skills is a key issue, with many youths coming out of four years in education and still be unemployable.

However, she admitted young people are in a "Catch 22" situation, where they may have the necessary skills required for the workplace, but no experience.

Ms Alturki told The Hindu: "Interviewers should recognize people who have potential, train them and provide them with the skills they need."

The 15th annual ARPM was originally planned for April this year, but had to be postponed due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.