Dhaka: The World Youth Skills Day is being celebrated today to spotlight the significance of skill development among young individuals globally. With this year's theme being "Youth Empowerment Through Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI)," the day underscores the urgent need for equipping the youth with modern skills for a rapidly transforming job market.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the eve of the Day, emphasizing the strategic importance of nurturing skills among the youth for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The observance, held annually on July 15, aims to address the challenges faced by the younger generation, who are not only striving to build their careers but are also influenced by the pervasive presence of social media.
The day serves as a reminder to advocate for education that extends beyond traditional curricula, highlighting the necessity of practical skills for future preparedness. The Interim government, established through the July mass uprising, has initiated multiple measures to transform the youth into valuable human resources, fostering employment opportunities in a discrimination-free new Bangladesh.
In response to both domestic and international labor market demands, the government is actively providing training to the youth, creating avenues for employment. Additionally, the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) is collaborating with public and private entities to establish a robust skills development ecosystem.
The observance of World Youth Skills Day also aims to prepare the youth for evolving workplaces and entrepreneurship, essential for building a modern, developed Bangladesh. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, the day seeks to promote employment through technical expertise, vocational education, and training for the youth community.