World Youth Skills Day has been celebrated annually on July 15 since 2015, highlighting the role of approximately 1,2 billion young people aged between 15 and 24, representing 16% of the world's population.

The date was proclaimed in Resolution 69/145 , adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 18, 2014, with the purpose of highlighting the importance of technical, professional, and digital skills in preparing young people for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

In 2025, the celebration reached two significant milestones: the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day and the 5th anniversary of UNESCO's Global Skills Academy.

The focus of attention was on the theme "Youth training through Artificial Intelligence and digital skills", highlighting the urgency of aligning technical and professional training with the transformations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Each year, evidence grows that technical and vocational training systems must evolve to meet the challenges of a world where Artificial Intelligence profoundly changes educational, economic, and social processes.

In 2025, initiatives such as the hybrid events in Paris and New York brought together decision-makers, educators, and young people to discuss practical implementations of Artificial Intelligence in education, highlighting intelligent tutoring, immersive learning, and market-adapted curricula.

The 4th Industrial Revolution is profoundly transforming economies and labor markets, with Artificial Intelligence changing the way we live, learn, and work. For young people to thrive in this new context, it is essential that education and training systems adapt, providing skills suited to future demands.

However, these advances also pose risks, such as the intensification of gender and geographic inequalities, algorithmic biases, and deficiencies in educator training. Recent data reveals that only 22% of Artificial Intelligence professionals are women, and that 86% of students feel ill-prepared to work in a world dominated by Artificial Intelligence.

Furthermore, approximately 450 million young people remain outside the education and employment system (NEETs), widening the gap between training and opportunities. Given this situation, several organizations argue that the solution lies in uniting efforts between governments, educators, the private sector, and international organizations.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that skills are not just tools, but rather drivers of growth and social transformation, and highlighted the need for a human-centered approach that promotes creativity, critical reflection, and solidarity.

To address these challenges, training programs such as UNESCO's Global Skills Academy have been launched in partnership with technology companies, offering courses in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, programming, and data management. Through micro-certifications, online classes, and specialized mentoring, the goal is to make training accessible to young people from all backgrounds.

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In 2025, hybrid events in Paris and New York will bring together decision-makers, UN entities, educators and young people to discuss the topic of Artificial Intelligence, where
UNESCO-UNEVOC and the Global Skills Academy are hosting sessions on future-ready technical training and digital skills.

Regional initiatives have also been implemented, involving video competitions, forums, and local activities showcasing the use of Artificial Intelligence in education and the environment. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are highlighted as essential in the modern job market.

These initiatives also aim to strengthen inclusion and equity: specific actions for girls and young women, training for trainers, improving digital infrastructure and developing curricula adapted to the future of work are considered priorities.

Universal access to the Internet and the elimination of technological barriers emerge as essential conditions for the success of these policies, preventing millions of young people from becoming marginalized.

Furthermore, it is expected that by 2030, 65% of young people will enter professions that do not yet exist, reinforcing the need for preparation based on digital, vocational and social skills, while interpersonal skills remain relevant in an era in which technology assumes greater importance.

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Technical and Vocational Education and Training must adapt to the challenges posed by the digital economy and the transition to environmentally friendly practices, ensuring high-quality training. To this end, significant investment is required in training instructors and improving digital infrastructure to ensure inclusive access to Artificial Intelligence-based tools.

The active participation of young people in the creation of technical and digital curricula is essential for training to be contextualized, effective, and aligned with real market needs. It is also urgent to promote gender equality and territorial coverage in access to training, thus combating the digital divide that persists in many regions of the world.

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence must adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, data protection, and social inclusion to benefit all groups in society. Digital literacy paves the way for new forms of youth entrepreneurship, stimulates sustainable innovation, and strengthens social cohesion.

Only through joint action by young people, educators, civil society, and the private sector will it be possible to transform Artificial Intelligence into a true tool for progress for all.

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