World Youth Skill Day(WYSD) is celebrated each year to empower young people to meet the challenges of unemployment and underemployment. It was first initiated by the United Nations General Assembly UNGA in 2014 to prepare young minds with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Skill India Day also falls on the same day. The theme for Skill India Youth Day 2024 is "Youth Skills for Peace and Development underscoring the crucial role young people play in Peacebuilding and conflict resolution. In this blog, we will discuss the History, Importance, significance & Theme of World Youth Skill Day 2024. 

History 

World Youth Skills Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in November 2014 to emphasize the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship. Celebrated every year on July 15th, it focuses on the crucial need for practical skills in the current evolving job market. The day encourages governments, businesses, and schools to invest in training young people, making sure they are ready for the future. The initiative underscores the role of technical and vocational education in empowering youth and fostering economic growth and social inclusion worldwide.

Theme 

World Youth Skill Day 2024 is being celebrated under the theme "Youth Skills for Peace and Development" emphasizing the crucial role that youth play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. It aims to help both youth and adults in developing essential skills in the face of conflicts and challenges across borders. Various activities, including skill development workshops, training programs, and career fairs are organized to promote practical learning opportunities and connect youth with potential employers. 

Importance

In today evolving world, the demand for advanced technology necessitates an enhanced and adaptable skillset crucial for professional survival and success. Addressing this need, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established World Youth Skills Day to equip young minds with vocational and technical skills relevant to the contemporary landscape. This initiative highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring that youth are prepared to meet the dynamic requirements of the modern workforce. By focusing on technical and vocational education, World Youth Skills Day empowers individuals to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.

Significance 

World Youth Skills Day focuses on the dynamic skill development in younger generations. In the current global situation, there is conflict among countries, leading to an increase in refugees and unemployment within a short period. To ensure their survival, it is essential to equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the era of unemployment. This day provides a unique opportunity for dialogue among young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, businesses, employers, policymakers, and more.

What is TVET?

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are instrumental in equipping both young people and adults with the knowledge, values, and attitudes needed to secure decent employment in the labor market. Worldwide, there are 230 TVET institutions, with 3 major institutions situated in India. 

These institutions support young minds in developing 21st-century skills like digital, entrepreneurial, and green skills. It prepares the youth for the fast-evolving labor market with its various training programs. 

Skill India Day 

"Skill India" is an initiative by the government of India aimed at raising awareness about the necessity and significance of enhancing the skills of the younger generations. This campaign was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is overseen by the National Skills Development Corporation of India. The initiative emphasizes the empowerment of youth through a range of skill development programs offered by the Government of India. Information about the free courses can be found on the official Skill India website at Skill India Digital 

World Youth Skill Day emphasizes the significance of providing young people with the vocational and technical skills necessary for today ever-changing landscape. The day promotes practical learning and aims to equip future generations for the shifting demands of the labor market. Upskilling is the need of the hour and both young people and adults can greatly benefit from the educational opportunities provided by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.