Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.

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 marketing. Core skills such as media literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, socio-emotional skills and communication are equally essential. Digital technologies are transforming how skills are being taught, assessed and aligned with labour market needs, making education and TVET more accessible and engaging. Innovations such as adaptive learning platforms, virtual reality (VR) and intelligent tutoring systems are enhancing personalized learning (e.g. providing automated feedback on assessments), facilitating immersive training for fields like healthcare and engineering, modernizing curricula, streamlining certification and progress tracking , developing robust AI-powered learning platforms and improving career guidance systems. 

Key challenges 

Despite these opportunities, significant challenges remain: - Algorithmic bias embedded in AI tools can perpetuate gender and geographic disparities. Only 22% of global AI professionals are women and women are 13 times less likely to file ICT- related patents . - Ethical concerns related to algorithms bias, data privacy and the broader impact of AI on the workforce dynamics risks reinforcing gender and socioeconomic disparities.6 - Gender inequality and inclusion gaps persist in AI-related TVET fields due to underrepresentation, lack of role models and systemic barriers. - Data privacy concerns are significant as personalized learning depends heavily on student data. - Infrastructure limitations and limited internet access continue to exacerbate digital divides. Only 34% of TVET institutions globally have the bandwidth to support advanced AI tools. - High implementation costs and a lack of sustainable funding models restrict the scaling of AI-driven curricula and infrastructure. For example, UNESCO’s $50 million investment in AI labs currently only benefits 8% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s TVET institutions. - Lack of trained teachers in AI pedagogy, with 78% of teachers lacking confidence in using AI tools and few trained in integrating AI into hands-on, technical training.  - Absence of comprehensive national AI strategies in TVET resulting in uneven adoption and implementation - Low usage of advanced AI in TVET remains a concern, the actual share of workers using advanced AI in TVET and related sectors remains limited (less than 0.5-1% in advanced economies). - Over-reliance on AI technologies risks diminishing human connection, mentorship, communication and teamwork, essential components of holistic learner development. - Security and misinformation risks arise from poorly governed AI use. While AI can support social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, it can also fuel hate speech, online bullying, political disinformation, inflammatory language and cyberattacks

Towards a just and AI-enhanced TVET system 

Equipping young people with AI and digital skills enhances digital well-being, mental health and holistic development. It empowers them to navigate online spaces safely, access valuable resources, build supportive networks and unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth, fostering a sense of purpose and resilience. When implemented equitably, AI can bridge skills gaps, reduce apprenticeship dropout rates, align training with industry needs, improve career guidance and ultimately empower youth for an automated future of work. 

TVET systems must: - Ensure equitable access to digital skills - Address ethical implications - Promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence - Strengthen financing efforts to modernize TVET, especially in low-income regions - Encourage lifelong learning - Prevent the spread of divisive narratives in educational environments

To guide the WYSD dialogue and shape an inclusive future for TVET, we must consider: 1. What urgent actions are needed to ensure equitable access to AI infrastructure and digital training for all youth — especially those in marginalized contexts? 2. How can teacher training be redesigned to integrate AI ethically into their pedagogy, while preserving human-centric values? 3. How can TVET embed ethical AI, media literacy and critical thinking to foster responsible digital citizenship? 4. What strategies best promote gender equality and inclusion in AI-related TVET fields? 5. How can multi-stakeholder partnerships- governments, multi-lateral organizations, private sector and youth - collaborate to finance and scale AI-driven innovations to transform TVET for inclusive and sustainable development?

To celebrate WYSD 2025, the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Sri Lanka to the United Nations, along with UNESCO, ILO, the United Nations Youth Office, UNESCO-UNEVOC, WorldSkills International, and the UNEVOC Network, will host global panel discussions and activities.

A Call to Action 

 We call upon all TVET stakeholders including governments, educators, policymakers, youth and technology developers, to lead the integration of AI onto TVET systems, while ensuring human dignity, values, inclusivity and ethical practices are upheld amidst technological advancements.

 We urge all participants to: 

 Advocate for inclusive, ethical and human-centered AI-powered TVET systems that address the digital divide and uphold human rights and ensure equitable AI infrastructure and comprehensive teacher training. 

 Collaborate across sectors and regions to share best practices, drive innovation and fund inclusive AI skills development. 

 Highlight the role of AI in enhancing youth employability by supporting community-driven initiatives 

 Amplify youth voices by engaging them in dialogue and decision-making processes to shape the future of work. 

WYSD celebration activities: 

• High-level panel at the Learning Planet Institute in Paris and UN Headquarters in New York. 

• Regional satellite events through UNEVOC Network Centres. 

• Youth skills showcase via youth voices storytelling campaigns, youth perspective survey and skills in actionphoto competition. 

• Online learning via the Global Skills Academy (GSA): Access free, self-paced, certifiable training with recorded lectures, interactive sessions and quizzes on digital skills, AI literacy, critical thinking and other skills for the future of work. o Receive a partner certificate upon completion.