Youth Lead the Charge as UN Celebrates World Skills Day

July 15, 2025 marks World Youth Skills Day, a global observance established by the United Nations to spotlight the essential role of skills development in empowering young people for work, life, and sustainable growth.

Now in its tenth year, the day serves as a timely reminder of the importance of preparing youth for a rapidly evolving future shaped by technology and innovation.

The theme for 2025, “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills,” draws attention to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in every aspect of life.

From the way businesses operate to how communities access services, digital transformation is redefining what it means to be skilled—and placing new demands on the younger generation.

Across the globe, young people are being called upon not only to adapt to technological change but to lead it. This year’s theme underscores the importance of equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and platforms necessary to thrive in a digital-first world.

It is also a call for inclusive access to quality training, especially in areas where digital gaps still exist.

For countries like Kenya, where the youth population makes up a significant portion of society, the message resonates deeply. While advancements in digital infrastructure and education are being made, many young people still face barriers to acquiring the skills needed to fully participate in the digital economy.

Limited access to internet, training facilities, and emerging technologies continues to pose challenges, particularly in rural and informal settings.

World Youth Skills Day is not just about employment—it is about empowerment. It emphasizes the need for technical, vocational, and digital education that responds to the real-world demands of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow.

The observance is an opportunity to reflect on progress, acknowledge existing gaps, and renew commitment to supporting youth as agents of innovation and change.

As industries around the world continue to shift toward automation, data-driven processes, and AI-driven systems, youth must be prepared not just to find jobs, but to create them.

With the right skills, they can become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, and leaders capable of shaping economies and communities in meaningful ways.

This day serves as a global wake-up call—urging governments, educators, and private sector players to invest in youth skills, ensure equitable access to training opportunities, and create pathways for young people to thrive.

For many Kenyan youth watching the digital revolution unfold, World Youth Skills Day is both a source of inspiration and a reminder that their potential deserves the right environment to grow.