World Youth Skills Day is observed annually on July 15th, as designated by the United Nations since 2014. The day holds significance in acknowledging the importance of equipping young individuals with the necessary skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Given the rapid advancements in technology and changes in the labor market, it is vital to empower young people with adaptable and flexible skill sets.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) play a critical role in addressing these needs. They help to break down barriers to employment, ensure the relevance and certification of acquired skills, promote environmentally-friendly practices, and provide skill development opportunities for youth who are not currently engaged in education, employment, or training. By focusing on TVET, we can enable young people to acquire the competencies needed for successful careers and contribute to sustainable development.
World Youth Skills Day Theme 2023
The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2023 is “Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future.” This theme focuses on the important role that teachers, trainers, and other educators play in equipping young people with the skills they need to enter the job market and contribute to their communities and societies.
The theme emphasizes the significance of providing young individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen careers and actively participate in society. It recognizes that teachers, trainers, and educators are instrumental in imparting these skills and preparing youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
History of World Youth Skills Day
The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, after its Charter was ratified by several countries, including China, France, the U.S.S.R., the U.K., and the United States, among others. It was formed in the aftermath of World War II, with the primary goal of promoting global peace and security, providing humanitarian assistance, protecting human rights, and upholding international law.
Throughout its existence, the United Nations has played an active role in global affairs. It has adapted its functioning to respond to changes in international relations, such as the decolonization of the Global South, the end of the Cold War, the emergence of the United States as a dominant power, and challenges like climate change and refugee crises. Currently, the United Nations is working towards achieving its 17 sustainable development goals, which address various global challenges.
In 2014, the United Nations introduced World Youth Skills Day to draw attention to the skills necessary for the employment and entrepreneurship of young people. This day aims to emphasize the strategic importance of these skills for the future. It provides a unique platform for policymakers, employers, development partners, vocational and training programs, and young people to engage in discussions about the skills required as the world transitions toward sustainable development.
Significance of World Youth Skills Day
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly designated July 15th as World Youth Skills Day to recognize the crucial role of imparting skills to young individuals for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Since then, this day has been celebrated with various events that facilitate dialogue among young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, businesses, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners.
These events provide a valuable platform for discussions on the growing importance of skills in a world that is transitioning towards a sustainable model of development. They highlight the significance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce and contribute to the economy. By emphasizing the strategic value of skills, World Youth Skills Day promotes collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders in the field of education, employment, and policymaking.
World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize skill development for young people, ensuring they are prepared for the evolving job market and capable of driving sustainable development in their communities and societies.
- 3 August Current Affairs 2023 in English
- MoU Between Subroto Mukerjee Sports and Education Society and All India Football Federation (AIFF) to Promote Football at Grassroot Level
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Delivers Keynote Address at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony
- Education Ministry Forms Expert Panel on Anti-Discrimination in Higher Education
- Concerns Arise Over Cheetah Deaths at Kuno National Park