World Youth Skills Day declared by the United Nations on 15th July, 2014 celebrates the strategic significance of fitting out the young population with skills for greater employment opportunities. On occasion of World Youth Skills Day 2022, the aim of ‘Transforming Education Summit’ for the year is to focus on learning skills for life, work and sustainable development. The UN Secretary-General is convoking the Transformation Education Summit during the 77th UN General Assembly.
The ground of this event is to ideate political ambition, action, solutions and solidarity to transform the prevailing education system. UN plans on upgrading national and global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals focusing on gender-sensitive, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
Technological advancement, climatic changes, demographic shifts, globalization and urbanization are changing the pattern of work and skill demand. Literacy is not just confined to formal education but it also opens up the concept of skills such as technical, vocational, transferrable and other knowledge that are essential for employment and livelihood. Skilled workforce is the root of the economic and community development of a country.
Importance of Skill Development
- – Employment opportunities for aspiring youths.
- – A powerful tool to empower individuals and improve their social acceptance.
- – Improved productivity and economic growth.
- – Helps to identify, train and nurture one’s innate talent in the desired field.
The vision of the Incheon Declaration Education 2030 (The Korean Initiative) is fully captured by Sustainable Development Goal 4. Skill training for youths is important for creating skills for work, employment and entrepreneurship. Education and skill training are primary to the achievement of the 2030 agenda.
UNESCO in March 2020 launched the ‘Covid 19 Global Education Coalition’ to protect the well-being of children and ensure their access to continued education.
India’s literacy rate is 70% and only 20% of them are employable. Only 25% of the Indian workforce has undergone a skill development programme and the country needs a higher number of skilled workforce. The Indian labour force has outdated skills and 75% of the new job opportunities are skill-based.
According to World Trade Organisation, India’s GDP can increase up to 3%-5% in 2035 if it focuses on skill development and training of its workforce. India can be the global sourcing hub for skilled employees and claim its position as a global economic powerhouse. 62% of India’s working population are aged between15-59 and more than 54% are below 25 years of age. In the next 20 years, the world’s industrialized labour force is expected to decline by 4% but in India, it is believed to be increased by 32%.
The government of India launched The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on November 9, 2014. SANKALP, UDAAN, and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana are some of the prominent schemes for skill development by the Government of India.
Many NGOs are also focusing on the skill development of youths in the country. Wishes and Blessings is also launching its skill development programme on the 15th of July at Modi Mills with 15 women beneficiaries.
FAQs
Q. What is the theme of World Youth Skills Day 2022?
A. The World Youth Skills Day 2022 will focus on Transforming Education Summit
Q. What is the importance of World Youth Skills Day?
A. To celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
Q. What is TVET?
A. Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
Q. What is the benefit of TVET?
A. TVET is the pathway for youths across all socio-economic segments to develop their competencies, while also accelerating their transition to work and further learning.
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