International Youth Skills Day and Youth Employment Development
International Youth Skills Day is celebrated every year on 15 July to highlight the significance of developing skills among young people. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 through resolution A/RES/69/145.
The observance aims to increase awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills and improving socio-economic conditions to address challenges such as unemployment and underemployment. It recognises the vital role of young people in advancing sustainable development and the need for targeted investments in education, vocational training, and employment.
With approximately 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, youth unemployment and job insecurity remain pressing global issues. International Youth Skills Day encourages governments, organisations, and civil society to support skill development and create opportunities for young people to participate fully in the labour market.
Date and Establishment of the Day
International Youth Skills Day is observed annually on 15 July. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 through resolution A/RES/69/145. The initiative to create this observance was proposed by representatives of Sri Lanka at the United Nations.
Celebrations and Initiatives in Australia
In Australia, International Youth Skills Day is recognised and celebrated by both government and community organisations, including the Department of Employment and Skills. These bodies engage young people through information campaigns and various events aimed at raising awareness about skill development. A cornerstone of the Australian government’s approach to youth employment is the Youth Employment Strategy, launched in 2015, which focuses on reducing youth unemployment by providing skill development programs and employment support.
Complementing this strategy is the JobTrainer program, jointly funded by the Australian government and state governments. JobTrainer offers free or subsidised vocational training to young people and job seekers in priority economic sectors, enhancing their employability. Workforce Australia, the national employment service, incorporates targeted youth support measures such as career counselling and professional skills development programs to assist young Australians in entering the workforce.
Nationally, WorldSkills Australia plays a significant role by organising championships of professional skills for young people, fostering interest in trades and the TAFE system. Technical and further education institutions (TAFE) deliver vocational training programs aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals agenda for 2030, particularly in the areas of employment and skills development. Given that youth unemployment rates in Australia have traditionally been higher than the overall unemployment rate, these indicators are closely monitored by the government to inform and tailor skill development and employment support initiatives.
Objectives and Significance of International Youth Skills Day
International Youth Skills Day was established with the primary goal of raising awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development and improving the socio-economic conditions for young people. This focus aims to address challenges such as unemployment and underemployment among youth. The day serves as a reminder of the vital role that young people play in advancing sustainable development, highlighting the necessity of investments in healthcare, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
Active youth participation in sustainable development efforts is crucial for building resilient, inclusive, and stable societies. It also contributes to tackling global threats including climate change, unemployment, poverty, gender inequality, conflicts, and migration. Vocational training and youth employment are explicitly recognised within the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda through to 2030, underscoring their importance on the global stage.
The development of skills, education, and vocational training are key factors for young people’s success in the labour market and serve as important indicators of a society’s viability. Acquiring additional skills is expected to facilitate young people’s access to an evolving labour market and support them in making informed decisions regarding their work and life.
Challenges of Youth Employment and Education Worldwide
Globally, there are approximately 1.2 billion young people aged between 15 and 24, representing 16 percent of the world’s population. Despite this significant demographic, youth unemployment remains a critical issue. As of 2021, the number of unemployed young people worldwide reached 75 million, with the youth unemployment rate exceeding 23 percent. This situation has worsened in most regions by 2024, with youth unemployment levels continuing to rise. Young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults, highlighting a persistent disparity in labour market opportunities.
The availability of jobs for young people is steadily declining, while inequality within the labour market is increasing. Alarmingly, one in five young people globally lives in extreme poverty even when employed, underscoring the prevalence of underemployment and low wages. Access to education also remains a significant barrier, with one in five young people lacking educational opportunities altogether. Gender disparities further compound these challenges, as young women are more frequently compelled to accept low-paid positions, jobs that do not match their qualifications, part-time roles, or temporary contracts.
These problems are particularly acute in developing countries, where youth unemployment and underemployment are most severe. However, industrialised nations have not eradicated these issues either. Existing education systems often fail to meet the learning needs of young people, limiting their ability to acquire the skills necessary for meaningful employment. Addressing these interconnected challenges is essential for improving youth employment outcomes and ensuring equitable access to education worldwide.
Events and Initiatives Supporting Youth
International Youth Skills Day is observed annually with a specific theme that guides the focus of related activities. The United Nations General Assembly encourages member states, UN system organisations, other international and regional bodies, as well as civil society, to commemorate the day in ways that align with national priorities. These commemorations often include educational campaigns, volunteer-led events, and information dissemination efforts aimed at raising awareness about youth skills development.
In various countries, the day is marked by conferences, educational lectures, and training workshops dedicated to issues surrounding vocational training and youth employment. Educational institutions also participate by organising themed lessons and exhibitions showcasing the work of students and pupils, thereby promoting skills development within academic settings.
Charitable foundations contribute by raising funds to support social projects that benefit young people. Additionally, the WorldSkills movement plays a significant role by hosting competitions for young skilled workers and students under the age of 22. This initiative helps to foster a new perception among school students and their parents regarding modern skilled trades and the institutions that provide secondary vocational education.
