Urvi Teresa Gomes, Kolkata: ‘World Youth Skills Day’, celebrated annually on July 15th, shines a spotlight on the importance of equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the evolving global workforce. Having entered the year 2023, the world is witnessing numerous global events and plans that are specifically designed to empower youth, promote skill development, and address the challenges faced by young people in the job market. The theme of World Youth Skills Day 2023 is ‘Skilling Teachers, Trainers and Youth for a Transformative Future.’
In order to recognize the strategic significance of providing young people with the skills necessary for decent employment and entrepreneurship, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 15 as World Youth Skills Day in 2014. Since then, activities and events concerning World Youth Skills Day have offered young people the opportunity to converse with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, policymakers, and development partners.
“Equipping young people with quality education, training and skills is essential. This World Youth Skills Day reminds us that teachers stand at the forefront of this great global effort.”— UN Secretary-General António Guterres
World Youth Skills Day 2023 serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in the skills development of young people worldwide. Global events such as the World Youth Skills Summit and the Global Skills Challenge provide platforms for collaboration, innovation, and showcasing youth talents. International initiatives like UNESCO’s YouthMobile Initiative and the Global Apprenticeships Network (GAN) focus on empowering young individuals with digital skills and facilitating apprenticeships. Furthermore, national plans such as Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative and India’s National Skill Development Mission highlight the commitment of governments to equip youth with the skills needed for the future job market. By promoting skill development and empowering young people, we are paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.