World Youth Skills Day

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), presents both opportunities and challenges for global labour markets. Specifically, for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), AI has introduced transformative tools and opportunities for innovation and personalized skills development, while also posing significant systemic challenges. Without comprehensive reforms in TVET systems, the digital divide will widen, deepen global inequalities and leave marginalized youth further behind. Harnessing opportunities  In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, equipping young people with digital and AI skills is essential to unlock their full potential, actively engage in their communities and participate in AI driven economies. Digital skills range from basic digital literacy, such as proficiency in using computers, smartphones and the internet, to advanced digital and data skills in areas like coding, data analysis, cybersecurity and digital marke...

This infographics is a ready-to-use visual resource designed to support the celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2025. It highlights key global insights on youth empowerment, digital skills, and the transformative role of AI—featuring statistics,—featuring statistics on gender gaps, digital access, and economic engagement. This infographic can be downloaded and printed for use in events, workshops, exhibitions, or awareness campaigns, making it a powerful tool to spark conversations and inspire action around youth skills development. Only of 22% AI professionals globally are women 86% of employers expect AI and information processing technologies to transform their business by 2030  54% of countries have digital skill standards 3 of students do not feel adequately prepared for an AI-enabled workplace. 450 million youth (7 out of 10) are economically disengaged, due to lack of adequate skills to succeed in the labour market  AI is expected to reach $4.8trillion in market value...

  On this World Youth Skills Day, we recognize that skills not just tools – they are engines of empowerment and opportunity. From traditional knowledge to creative arts to community leadership, a diverse range of skills enable young people to shape their futures and build more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies. This year’s theme rightly highlights the growing importance of digital and AI skills. From basic digital literacy to advanced data science, these capabilities are ever more vital for young people to thrive in today’s world – and lead in tomorrow’s. But opportunity must be universal. We must close the digital divide – so that every young person – regardless of gender, geography, or background – can reach their full potential. Digital education must be human-centered, nurturing not only technical ability, but also creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. And as AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners – but as co-creators of a fa...

On July 15th; From 9:30-15:50 CEST (Paris time); Join the UNESCO event at the Learning Planet Institute in Paris a High-level panel discussions with UN officials, policy-makers, educators and youth leaders. World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 July 2014 to highlight the strategic importance of equipping young people with the skills needed for employment, decent work, entrepreneurship, and for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development. Since its inception, WYSD has served as a global platform for dialogue among youth, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, policymakers, development partners, and the private sector, fostering collaboration and commitment to youth skills development. In response to the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as part of the 2020 WYSD celebrations, UNESCO launched the Global Skills Academy (GSA) under the umbrella of the Global Edu...

World Youth Skills Day 2025 emphasizes the urgent need to integrate digital and AI skills into learning systems, empowering young people to bridge digital divides, access emerging labour market opportunities and build inclusive, sustainable, peaceful and resilient societies. Organized by the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka to the United Nations, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Youth Office. Related Documents:  World Youth Skills Day 2025 Watch the World Youth Skills Day: Empowering Youth to be Agents of Change through Digital and AI Skills! Economic and Social Council

UN event at the ILO Office for the United Nations in New York; Starting at 8:30-10:00 AM ET (14:30 Paris time) Co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka, UNESCO, the ILO and the UN Youth Office. Follow via livestream on UN WEBTV

We invite governments, educators, youth, policy-makers and tech developers to come together and: Advocate for ethical, inclusive and human-centered AI in TVET Collaborate globally to share best practices and fund digital skills training Support grassroots innovations that increase youth employability Amplify youth voices in decision-making about the future of work Be part of shaping an inclusive, ethical and empowering future for all youth through AI and digital skills.

Launch of the Youth survey report on AI and digital skills . During the World Youth Skills Day 2025. Drawing on insights from over 4,000 respondents across 128 countries, this survey report examines how young people are navigating both the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. While 62% of youth are already using AI in real-world contexts. The youth survey report will be available after the results presentation during the live event on 15 July.   Download  The youth survey report and  read more

The UNESCO-UNEVOC invited young people between the ages of 15 and 35 to showcase how they are leveraging digitalization and artificial intelligence to transform their everyday life, education and training, solve real-world challenges and seize new opportunities in their communities. Below is a compilation of selected youth voices. You can watch the rest of the youth voices through our   playlist

This two-part intensive bootcamp is designed to equip young people with the essential skills needed to thrive in an automated world. It features a comprehensive curriculum and immersive experiences that build digital literacy, technical expertise, and soft skills. Part 1: Online Learning Modules Up to 500 graduates and learners will participate in 10 self-paced modules—delivered six weeks ahead of the celebration—that cover a broad range of skills. Explore the 10 skills for the future of work. IBM , SkillsBuild Cisco, Coursera Fundación Telefónica, ITU, Microsoft, Orange, Aleph Inc. , Anthology , GIZ-atingi , Huawe , IBM , Outsystems , Technovation HP Life  , GIZ-atingi , Generation Global Coursera HP Life , FESTO , GIZ-atingi , IBM , Siemens Stiftung , SkillEd Coursera GIZ-atingi , Coursera Coursera DIOR, KPMG , Junior Achievement Americas HP Life Coursera

According to a global UNESCO survey , less than 10% of schools and universities provide formal guidance on AI.

  The global Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is currently experiencing significant growth and is projected to continue its expansion in the coming years. In 2024, the global AI market was valued at approximately USD 638.23 billion. The U.S. market, a major player, was valued at USD 146.09 billion in the same year. As of 2025, the global market size is estimated to be around USD 757.58 billion. Concerning the Future projections; The global AI market is expected to reach USD 3,680.47 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.20% from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. market is projected to reach USD 851.46 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 19.33% from 2025 to 2034. Other sources project the global AI market to reach $1.1 trillion by 2029, at a CAGR of 39.7% from 2024 through 2029. The increasing adoption of AI technologies across various industries is fueling this growth, driven by the need for automation, enhanced decision-making, and improved operational effi...

About 450 million of youth (7 out of 10) are economically disengaged, due to lack of adequate skills to succeed in the labour market .

  Only 54% of countries have digital skill standards of students do not feel adequately prepared for an AI-enabled workplace.

 Close to 86% of employers expect AI and information processing technologies to transform their business by 2030.

  The  UNICEF Report on Bridging the Gender Digital Divide  reveals that close to 90% of adolescent girls and young women in low-income countries are offline. 

  The Digital Education Council on its Global AI Student Survey 2024  have revealed that 48% of students do not feel adequately prepared for an AI-enabled workplace. 

Are you an amateur or professional photographer with an interest in youth skills? Don’t miss your chance to enter the UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition! You are eligible to participate as long as: you are at least 18 years old. you are the owner or copyright holder of the photo entry/entries Click to learn more

  In the Digital Economy; Only of 22% AI professionals globally are women.

High-level session to launch a joint initiative on expanding access to AI powered technical certification programs and strengthening capacity-building through innovative cooperation mechanisms . In an era of accelerating technological change, driven by advances in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, inclusive access to technical education is increasingly recognized as a foundation for sustainable and equitable development. The global digital transition requires a collective, forward-looking response to ensure that every young person, regardless of context, has access to the tools, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Kiribati stands as a symbol of commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation. Through strategic engagement and forward-thinking leadership, Kiribati aims to promote a global vision in which youth and digital education play a central role in building resilient, future-ready societies. In line with ...

This year, 2025, also marks the 75th anniversary of WorldSkills , which is a global stage for skills, making this year's World Youth Skills Day even more significant. This year, 2025, it also marks the 10th anniversary of the international day and the 5th anniversary of the Global Skills Academy (GSA) .