Youth Skills for Peace and Development – Celebrating World Youth Skills Day

World Youth Skills Day 2024 will highlight the theme "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," emphasizing the pivotal role young people play in fostering peace and resolving conflicts. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, this day underscores the importance of equipping young individuals with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. As global challenges such as violent conflicts, online polarization, and economic inequality continue to impact youth, the theme for 2024 stresses the need for skills that promote a culture of peace, responsible global citizenship, and sustainable development.

Global Leaders and Young Innovators Unite at UN for World Youth Skills Day 2024: Focus on AI Skills for the Future of Work
To commemorate this significant day, the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka to the United Nations, alongside UNESCO, the ILO, and the United Nations Youth Office, will host a panel discussion at the UN Headquarters in New York. This event will bring together Member States, young experts, social partners, and other stakeholders to explore how youth can be empowered as agents of peace. Additionally, the Global Skills Academy will conduct a session on "AI Skills for the Future of Work," recognizing the transformative impact of AI technologies and the necessity of preparing young people for the evolving job market.

Addressing the Youth Skills Crisis: Investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

World Youth Skills Day serves as a call to action to address the urgent skills crisis facing youth. With only a quarter of young people globally on track to acquire essential skills for employment and decent livelihoods, there is a pressing need to invest in education and training systems. Equitable access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) can provide pathways to employment and entrepreneurship, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By uniting efforts to empower youth with the necessary skills, we can build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.