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Digital skills are esential for preparation of an AI shaped future.[Courtesy]
Every year on July 15, the world pauses to celebrate the potential, creativity and resilience of young people. Yet World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) is far more than another date on the international calendar. It is a reminder that the future of every nation will be determined not merely by the size of its youth population, but by the quality of the skills those young people possess. In an era defined by artificial intelligence, automation, advanced manufacturing and digital transformation, countries that invest in skills are investing in their future competitiveness.
WYSD, established by the United Nations General Assembly on July 15, 2014, and first observed in 2015, highlights the critical importance of equipping young people with essential skills, including technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, and digital competencies, to enhance employability and drive sustainable economic growth. Over the past decade, the day has underscored the growing mismatch between the skills young people possess and the demands of the labour market, as rapid technological change outpaces educational adaptation. It serves as a vital reminder to governments, industries, and educational institutions to prioritise skills development as a core element of national strategies to address youth unemployment and underemployment.
