World Youth Skills Day — 15 July
Theme: _Skills for a Shared Future
Today we recognize that skills are more than a pathway to a job. They are the foundation for innovation, resilience, and social progress.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: _“Unlocking the full potential of younger generations requires massive investment in inclusive quality education and training. Closing the skills gap can help create decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods at scale.”_
Why this day matters
The world of work is changing fast. AI, the green transition, and new social challenges mean young people need more than technical skills alone.
To thrive, they need a mix of:
1. Technical, digital & AI skills for the jobs of tomorrow
2. Green skills to drive climate action and new industries
3. Social-emotional & civic skills like empathy, teamwork, and leadership — the human qualities technology can’t replace
The reality:
- 1 in 5 young people globally are NEET — not in employment, education, or training
- Young women are more than twice as likely as young men to be NEET
- 40% of today’s skillsets no longer match job market needs
- 86% of students don’t feel prepared for an AI-enabled workplace
Yet opportunity exists. Investment in green and blue sectors alone could create 8.4 million youth jobs by 2030.
The role of TVET
Technical and Vocational Education and Training is central to this. TVET helps youth gain job-ready skills, supports entrepreneurship and self-employment, connects learning to real work, and opens doors for those left behind — including out-of-school youth and young people in informal work.
What we can do
On #WorldYouthSkillsDay and #WorkLifeReady, let’s invest in programmes that don’t just help young people adapt, but empower them to lead with empathy, bridge divides, and shape a more inclusive, sustainable future.
Because when we equip youth with the right skills, we equip all of us with a better shared future.
Happy World Youth Skills Day!
#YouthSkillsDay #SkillsForASharedFuture
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