Youth unemployment is a huge challenge for sustainable development in our societies. Statistics offer an alarming picture of the involvement of youth in the labour markets on a global scale. Germany, due to a strong tradition in vocational education and training deeply rooted in its culture, has very low rates of youth unemployment. The so-called dual system of vocational training in Germany takes up essential features of the holistic approach in education which is fundamental for education for sustainable development. Also this system is in need of continuous adaptation. (Contains 13 notes.)