In 2014, the United Nations declared July 15th as ‘World Youth Skills Day,’ and the inaugural theme was “Youth Skills for Work and Life in the Post-2015 Agenda.” This theme, reflecting a sense of urgency, set the tone for an ongoing global focus on equipping young people with the necessary skills for a rapidly changing world.
Guest Author: Dr. Darlie O. Koshy, Thought Leader & Author of RUNway to Skilled India & Educationalist and Skill Development Strategist
India’s Commitment to Skill Development
That same year, the Government of India launched the National Skill Mission and the second edition of the National Skill Policy. A landmark step was the establishment of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). By including ‘entrepreneurship’ in its title, the Central Government underscored the message that youth must transition from being job seekers to job providers.
The declaration of July 15 as World Youth Skills Day aims to raise awareness about Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and to equip youth with essential domain and life skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Addressing Current Challenges in Skill Development
The theme for 2023 was “Skilling Teachers, Trainers, and Youth for a Transformative Future.” The challenge of having well-trained teachers and trainers persists, as does the task of equipping youth with the right skills for current and future jobs in a changing technological landscape. The convergence of exponential technologies makes this even more critical.
“The UN Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 underscores that the SDGs are nowhere near on track at the mid-point check-in. With only 15% of the SDGs targets assessed as on track, 48% as moderately or severely off track, and 37% in stagnation or regression, the world is falling short of meeting most of the goals by 2030.”
Notably, global progress towards achieving the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been slow, highlighting the need for renewed focus on skills for sustainable development.
Globally, only 15% of SDG targets have seen notable progress, with 48% off-track and the rest in regression or stagnation. India a Country and Kerala as a State are remarkable exceptions, to this trend. The role of youth and students in training programs in schools and colleges is crucial for maintaining peace in society and all walks of life.
The recent NITI Aayog report provides some important insights into this progress.
Top Performers:
- Uttarakhand: SDG Score 79
- Kerala: SDG Score 79
- Tamil Nadu: SDG Score 78
Conversely, some regions are lagging behind, with:
- Nagaland: SDG Score 63
- Jharkhand: SDG Score 62
- Bihar: SDG Score 57
Emerging Opportunities and Skills for Sustainable Development
As AI and exponential technologies encroach into traditional areas, new opportunities linked to sustainability are emerging rapidly. The 2017 World Skills International Conference of Youth in Abu Dhabi presciently emphasized “Think Green, Think Innovation” as a core part of their declaration. However, many countries and skill development institutions have not given this sufficient attention. Green jobs in green manufacturing, renewable energy sectors, and the gig economy offer significant opportunities. And many other avenues are also opening up.
Also read: World Youth Skills Day 2022: No Youth Left Behind in India’s Economic Development – Webinar report
Future Job Prospects and Sustainable Development
The recent NITI Aayog report highlights Kerala’s progress in SDG goals, with a high ranking of 79 points, suggesting emerging job opportunities until 2030 and beyond. Sustainability will drive every sector, from textiles and garments to beauty, wellness, tourism, hospitality, and more. Academics will find productive engagement in research and advanced training in areas such as heritage conservation, climate management, meteorological studies, geology, museums, public spaces, and transportation.
As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, let’s spread the message of green jobs and sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. This is a day to recognize the potential of youth and the transformative power of skill development in building a sustainable future.
Let’s make World Youth Skills Day a day to remember, driving forward the agenda of skills, sustainability, and empowerment for all.
