WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY MARKS 10 YEARS OF EMPOWERING YOUTH

The world today marks the 10th anniversary of International Youth Skills Day, a United Nations-designated observance aimed at raising awareness on the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
This year’s theme, "Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills," reflects the urgent need to prepare young people for the rapidly changing job market driven by technological advancement.
Global celebrations include workshops, innovation challenges, and digital skills training hosted by governments, NGOs, and educational institutions. In Kenya, youth organizations and vocational institutions have organized forums to discuss challenges facing the youth, including access to quality education, digital literacy, and job opportunities.
According to a UN report, over 450 million young people worldwide are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET), a statistic that underscores the critical role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in reversing the trend.
"Today’s youth must be equipped with not just traditional skills, but also emerging digital competencies in AI, coding, and data management to stay relevant," said Judith Kamau, a youth trainer based in Nairobi.
The day also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
As part of the observance, youth leaders and policy-makers have been encouraged to bridge the skills gap by investing in future-oriented education systems and digital infrastructure that support marginalized communities.
World Youth Skills Day was established in 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly, with the first celebration held in 2015. Since then, it has served as a global platform to promote dialogue and initiatives that empower the youth to shape a better future.