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“Degrees open doors—but skills keep them open.”


Ever wondered why some people with lesser education still reach the top? The answer is simple: Skills. And that’s exactly why World Youth Skills Day matters more today than ever before.

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a world where every young person has a skill they can proudly call their superpower—something they’re good at, something that pays their bills, and something that makes them independent.

 

That dream is not far-fetched. That’s the purpose of World Youth Skills Day.

 

Celebrated annually on July 15, this international day shines a spotlight on the importance of skills—not just technical skills but also creative, digital, social, and life skills that shape the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow

World Youth Skills Day

DEEP DIVE: WHY SKILLS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER?

We live in a world where change is the only constant.

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Industries are transforming.

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Automation is replacing routine jobs.

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Traditional degrees are becoming less relevant without real-world skills.

The Reality Check:

According to a UN report:

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Youth unemployment stands at over 13% globally.

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Millions of young people are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

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Yet many companies complain they can’t find skilled employees.

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This contradiction reveals one harsh truth:

 

The problem isn’t lack of jobs—it’s lack of the right skills.

THE PURPOSE OF WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY

World Youth Skills Day was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, recognizing the urgent need to equip young people with employment-ready skills, especially in a rapidly changing global economy.

 

Its objectives include:

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Promoting technical and vocational education and training (TVET)

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Encouraging digital and entrepreneurial learning

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Supporting inclusive, accessible training programs for marginalized youth

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Strengthening partnerships between governments, industries, and educators

INDIAN PERSPECTIVE: SKILLS THAT EMPOWER

India has the largest youth population in the world, with over 65% below the age of 35.
But only 4.7% of the Indian workforce is formally skilled (compared to 52% in the US and 80% in Japan).

Government initiatives like:

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Skill India Mission

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PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana

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Digital India Skill Development Schemes

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… are steps in the right direction. But awareness, accessibility, and quality training are still challenges in rural and semi-urban areas.

 

 

Real Indian Story:

Take the example of Rani, a girl from a village in Odisha, who learned tailoring through a government training camp. Today, she runs her own small business and teaches others in her community, turning a simple skill into a wave of local employment.

2025 THEME: “Youth Skills for Peace and Prosperity”

This year’s theme focuses on the positive power of skills:

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Not just to build careers—but to build communities

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Not just to escape poverty—but to drive innovation

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Not just for survival—but for peace, purpose, and prosperity

 

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🌟 SKILLS THAT MATTER IN 2025 (AND BEYOND)

 

Here are top in-demand skills in today’s market:

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Digital Skills (coding, graphic design, social media)

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Communication & Soft Skills (presentation, public speaking)

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Vocational Skills (plumbing, carpentry, beauty, electrician work)

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Entrepreneurship (business development, marketing)

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Green Skills (eco-sustainability, waste management)

MIND MAP:

                                                      WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY

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                          ———————————————————————————————————————————

                               |                             |                  |                                    |                                         |

                             Why                Global Facts     India Focus           2025 Theme                      Action Points

                                |                           |                      |                                 |                                        |

                            Skill Gap           UN Resolution     Skill India             Peace &Youth-Led

                          Unemployment   2014 Launch     Vocational Training                             Prosperity     Innovation      

5W’s Breakdown:

Who: Global youth, policymakers, industries, NGOs, educators

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What: An awareness day promoting skill development

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When: Every 15th of July

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Where: Recognized and celebrated globally

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Why: To address youth unemployment and prepare future-ready youth

QUICK SUMMARY

World Youth Skills Day is observed on July 15

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Established by the UN in 2014 to promote skill development

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Focuses on closing the skill gap and boosting youth employability

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2025 Theme: “Youth Skills for Peace and Prosperity”

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Calls for global investment in technical, vocational, and soft skills