World Youth Skills Day

The world of work is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, the green transition, and growing social complexity are transforming how we learn, work, and participate in society. To thrive in this changing landscape, young people need more than technical skills alone. They need a balanced set of competencies that combines technical, digital, AI, green, social-emotional, and civic skills with the human qualities that technology cannot replace. TVET stands at the centre of workforce readiness, economic competitiveness, and peace, cohesion and sustainable development. This webinar will bring together government representatives, educators, employers, youth networks, development partners and young people from around the world. Hosted by UNESCO- UNEVOC , this event addresses the pivotal question: “What will it take to equip every young person with competencies they need to thrive in a shared future?”  FREE WEBINAR FOR WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY 15 July 2026.Learn more & register to pa...

Through the power of skills individuals, communities, and countries are propelled towards a more prosperous future.

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...

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

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

  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...

  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

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) .

FORUM: “ Youth Skills for Peace and Development . “ World Youth Skills Day 2024 . Reflecting on progress made and setting directions for future initiatives, the international community’s commitment to empowering youth with comprehensive skills for peace and sustainable development is crucial , particularly as young people are at the forefront of global efforts in shaping a peaceful, prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future. This ongoing commitment ensures that the educational strides we make are not only maintained but also adapted to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities of our global society. This observance will underscore the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution . The world faces a multitude of challenges today, many of which affect the youth. Violent conflicts disrupting education and stability, a polarized online environment fostering negativity, and persistent economic inequality limits opportunities. These issues threaten not on...

World Youth Skills Day is celebrated globally with several events, workshops, and discussions involving young people, educational institutions, employers, and policymakers.  The day is dedicated to recognize the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

Initiated by the United Nations General Assembly  in 2014. The World Youth Skills Day is celebrated annually on July 15th. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of youth skills development and to encourage young people to acquire the skills needed for personal and professional success.