New york: UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has emphasized the need for equipping every young individual with essential skills to thrive in the digital age. Speaking on World Youth Skills Day, celebrated annually on July 15, Guterres highlighted the pivotal role of young people as active contributors in shaping a fair digital future, rather than merely being learners.
According to Emirates News Agency, Guterres underscored the importance of a varied skill set, ranging from traditional knowledge to community leadership, which empowers young individuals to influence their futures and contribute to inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies. This year's theme, "Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills," underscores the critical need for digital and AI competencies.
Guterres pointed out the necessity of skills such as digital literacy and advanced data science for young people to excel in contemporary and future landscapes. He stressed the importance of closing the digital divide to ensure that all young individuals, irrespective of gender, location, or background, have equal opportunities to realize their potential.
In his message, Guterres advocated for a human-centered approach to digital education, which should foster not only technical proficiency but also creativity, critical thinking, and compassion. He called for concerted efforts to equip young people with the requisite skills for the digital era.
The United Nations General Assembly established World Youth Skills Day in 2014 to highlight the strategic importance of providing young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. At the International Labour Organization's UN Office, high-level discussions focused on empowering youth as change agents through digital and AI skills, highlighting their role in fostering inclusive and sustainable societies, enhancing education, and promoting ethical technology use.