World Youth Skills Day (15 Jul)
World Youth Skills Day is a United Nations-designated holiday annually observed on July 15 to highlight the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. It aims to raise public awareness about the value of providing young people with opportunities to acquire skills and the importance of skill development in boosting economic growth and sustainable development.
On this day, governments, international organizations, educational institutions, businesses, youth organizations, and other relevant stakeholders come together to promote and celebrate the importance of youth skills development. Various activities and events are held to mark the day, including skills competitions, workshops, career guidance sessions, job fairs, and policy dialogues.
The observance of World Youth Skills Day is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It recognizes that investing in youth skills development is crucial for achieving these goals and for building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
By celebrating World Youth Skills Day, the international community aims to inspire young people to develop their skills, encourage employers and governments to invest in skills development programs, and promote international cooperation and partnerships for youth skills development.
Celebrating World Youth Skills Day
World Youth Skills Day is celebrated annually on July 15 to raise awareness about the importance of equipping youth with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Here’s how it’s celebrated around the world:
-
Raising Awareness: Governments, educational institutions, and organizations conduct awareness campaigns to highlight the significance of skill development for youth. This includes workshops, seminars, and social media campaigns to encourage young people to pursue skills-based education and training.
-
Skills Competitions: Many countries organize skills competitions and events to showcase the talents of young people. These competitions allow youth to demonstrate their skills, gain recognition, and receive opportunities for further training and employment.
-
Career Guidance and Counselling: Youth-focused organizations offer career guidance and counselling services to help young people identify their strengths, interests, and skills. This helps them make informed decisions about their career paths and choose suitable skills training programs.
-
Job Fairs and Employment Services: Job fairs and employment services are held to connect youth with potential employers. These events provide opportunities for young people to network, learn about job openings, and showcase their skills to potential employers.
-
Training and Apprenticeship Programs: Many countries promote skills development through training and apprenticeship programs. These programs provide hands-on experience, skill-building opportunities, and pathways to employment for young people.
-
Partnerships and Collaboration: Governments, businesses, and educational institutions collaborate to create partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing youth skills development. These partnerships facilitate access to resources, expertise, and opportunities for young people.
-
Policy Development: Many countries review and revise policies related to youth skills development. They may introduce new policies or amend existing ones to ensure that young people have access to quality education, training, and skill-building opportunities.
-
International Cooperation: International organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Bank collaborate to promote youth skills development globally. They support countries in developing and implementing effective skills-related policies and programs.
-
Recognition of Achievements: Some countries recognize and celebrate the achievements of young people who have excelled in skills development. Award ceremonies, scholarships, and recognition events are held to honor their accomplishments and inspire others.
-
Advocacy and Awareness-raising Campaigns: Non-governmental organizations and youth-led movements engage in advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns to promote the importance of youth skills development. They aim to influence policy decisions, mobilize resources, and create a supportive environment for young people to acquire and utilize their skills.