Livelihoods and Community Engagement

12 th January 2026: On National Youth Day, McDonald’s India – North & East marks a major milestone in empowering youth across the region. Through its flagship initiative, McDonald’s for Youth,’ the brand has helped over 2,500 young individuals take their first steps into the workforce, significantly exceeding the initiative’s original hiring goals. The program focuses on creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people, particularly those from lessprivileged backgrounds, by partnering with non-governmental organizations and community groups, while equipping participants with essential skills, confidence, and pathways for long- term growth. Launched with the aim of contributing to India’s growth story, the initiative has played a crucial role in helping many individuals secure their first job and develop workplace skills. It

12 January 2026: For millions of rural youths, the transition from education to employment is critical and challenging. Many aspire to white-collar jobs, often unaware that skilled blue-collar and technical roles can offer stable, dignified, long-term careers. Limited access to training and pathways into work pushes many into insecure livelihoods, leaving households dependent on climate-sensitive incomes. Strengthening skilling ecosystems is therefore essential—not only for employment, but for reliable off-farm income that builds household stability. On the occasion of National Youth Day, this challenge takes on renewed urgency. As India works to harness its demographic dividend and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, equipping rural and semi- urban youth with relevant, market-linked skills is critical for inclusive growth, reducing distress migration,