World Youth Skills Day

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World Youth Skills Day
Worldwide
World Youth Skills Day

Every year on July 15, the world observes World Youth Skills Day (WYSD). In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) instituted this day to acknowledge the crucial significance of providing young individuals with the skills essential for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

Background and Purpose

  • Establishment: WYSD was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to highlight the significance of empowering young people through skills acquisition.
  • Focus: The day emphasizes the role of skills development in improving youth employment opportunities, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Objectives

  • Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development to enhance employability and productivity.
  • Promote Action: Encourage governments, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society to implement initiatives that support youth skills training and education.
  • Empower Youth: Empower young people to acquire relevant skills that align with current and future labor market demands.

Themes and Focus Areas

  • Skills Training: Promoting vocational education and training (VET) programs that equip young people with technical and practical skills.
  • Entrepreneurship: Supporting youth entrepreneurship and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among young people.
  • Digital Skills: Emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and technology skills in the modern workforce.
  • Gender Equality: Promoting gender equality in access to skills development opportunities and addressing barriers faced by young women.

Activities and Events

  • Conferences and Workshops: Organizations, governments, and educational institutions organize conferences, workshops, and seminars to discuss youth skills development strategies and best practices.
  • Skills Competitions: Holding skills competitions and challenges to showcase the talents and abilities of young skilled workers in various fields.
  • Career Fairs: Hosting career fairs and job placement events to connect young people with potential employers and training providers.
  • Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies and investments that support youth skills development and promote lifelong learning opportunities.

Global Impact

  • UN Support: The United Nations, through agencies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO, provides guidance and support for countries to implement effective youth skills development programs.
  • Youth Employment: Addressing youth unemployment and underemployment by equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed in the evolving job market.
  • Sustainable Development Goals: Contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

How to Participate

  • Skills Development: Support initiatives that provide vocational training, apprenticeships, and internship opportunities for young people.
  • Advocate: Advocate for policies and investments in education and skills development that prioritize youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
  • Mentorship: Mentor young people and provide guidance on career choices, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
  • Raise Awareness: Use social media and other platforms to raise awareness about the importance of youth skills development and share success stories of young skilled workers.

World Youth Skills Day underscores the critical role of skills development in empowering young people, fostering economic growth, and achieving sustainable development. It encourages stakeholders to collaborate and invest in initiatives that equip youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive and rapidly changing world.

Days to Come (8)