World Youth Skills Day 2024: Date, History, Theme and Significance

India boasts a youthful population, with over 50% of its citizens under the age of 25 and more than 65% under 35. Remarkably, the youth, aged 15-29, currently contributes around 34% to India’s gross national income (GNI). This underscores the crucial role that youth play in nation-building and economy. As the backbone of a country’s development, their skills and abilities are essential, especially in our rapidly changing world. Investing in the youth and nurturing their talents is vital for a nation’s progress and success.

Each year, on 15th July, we take a moment to reflect on the determining role that young people play in shaping our future. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about World Youth Skills Day 2024, from its history and theme to its significance and how you can get involved.

When Is World Youth Skills Day 2024 Celebrated?

World Youth Skills Day is celebrated on the 15th of July all around the world. This day shows how crucial it is to help the youth develop and continuously up-skill themselves so they can find meaningful work and become successful entrepreneurs. By focusing on these goals, it stresses the need for education and training that meet the changing demands of the job market, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

World Youth Skills Day: History

The inception of World Youth Skills Day traces back to a UN resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014. Recognising the global challenges faced by young people, particularly in terms of unemployment and skill gaps, the UN sought to create a platform to address these issues. Since its establishment, the day has marked several milestones and has become a crucial platform for dialogue between young people, educational institutions, and employers.

How to observe World Youth Skills Day 2024?

If you understand the importance of and want to contribute to this day, here are some of the things listed below that you can do to lend a helping hand on World Youth Skills Day 2024:

• Join the UN event: Watch the United Nations’ online talk about World Youth Skills Day to understand global efforts in youth skill development.

• Spread the word on social media: Use your social media platforms to discuss the importance of youth skills, share inspiring stories, and raise awareness.

• Mentor a young person: If you are old enough and have expertise in a certain field, offer a helping hand to a young person. Your support can significantly impact their future.

• Participate in local workshops: Attend or organise local workshops to develop new skills and connect with like-minded peers.

• Volunteer in the community: Use your skills to give back to the community by tutoring, leading skill-building activities, or supporting local youth programmes.

• Donations and funding: Support organisations and initiatives that focus on youth skills development.

World Youth Skills Day Theme 2024

Keeping in mind the current geo-political situation of the world, the theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024 is “Youth Skills for Peace and Development.” This theme is the need of the hour and highlights how essential it is for young people to have the skills needed to build peaceful and thriving communities. By empowering the youth with education, vocational training, and practical skills, we can foster understanding, cooperation, and positive change. These skills not only help in finding good jobs but also play a vital role in promoting harmony and accelerating development. You can check out the list of vocational courses after 12th.

World Youth Skills Day Significance

National Youth Skills Day isn’t just about cool workshops and fancy speeches. It’s all about why equipping young people with skills is a total game-changer! Here is the important role it plays:

• Boosts employment opportunities: It highlights how important it is for young people to gain practical skills that can help them find good jobs and build successful careers.

• Encourages lifelong learning: This day reminds us that learning doesn’t stop at school. It encourages young people to keep learning new skills throughout their lives to stay relevant in a changing world.

• Promotes economic growth: Skilled young people contribute to the economy by driving innovation and productivity, which helps communities and countries grow and prosper.

• Fosters social inclusion: By providing skills training, World Youth Skills Day helps reduce inequality, giving everyone a fair chance to succeed, no matter their background.

• Prepares for future challenges: The day focuses on equipping youth with the skills needed to tackle future challenges, such as technological advancements and climate change, ensuring they are ready for what lies ahead.

Checkout: List of Important Days in July 2024

World Youth Skills Day 2024 Quotes

Here are some inspirational quotes to motivate and encourage youth skills development:

• “The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” – Robert Greene

• “Skill development, whether in the classroom or the workplace, is the foundation for success in the global economy.” – Ban Ki-moon

• “Investing in young people’s skills and education is the best way to secure a prosperous future for all.” – António Guterres

• “Learning a new skill is like seeing a new world, every youth should feel this experience.” 

• “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein

Conclusion

World Youth Skills Day 2024 is an important occasion to celebrate the potential of young people and the power of skill development. By understanding its significance, participating in events, and supporting youth skill development, we can collectively ensure a brighter future for all.

FAQs on World Youth Skills Day