FORUM: “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.“ World Youth Skills Day 2025. The theme for WYSD 2025 focuses on Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes economies through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must evolve to equip youth with future-ready skills. AI is transforming how we live, learn and work — but it also poses serious risks if not implemented equitably. This matters because AI is rapidly changing TVET by : Personalizing learning through intelligent tutoring systems. By Supporting immersive training using virtual reality (VR). By Streamlining certification and career guidance. Modernizing curricula and aligning training with labour market needs. But without systemic reform, the digital divide will grow, especially for marginalized youth. While AI brings opportunities, it also presents major challenges in TVET;AI systems can reinforce gender and geographic disparities; Many teachers lack confidence in using AI tools; Most TVET institutions lack the capacity to adopt advanced AI tools; Many regions lack funding to scale up AI-driven learning; AI’s reliance on data and lack of transparency raises critical questions; AI can amplify hate speech, fake news and cyber threats if not well governed; Women and marginalized groups remain significantly underrepresented in AI fields; Over-reliance on AI risks undermining essential human elements like mentorship and teamwork. We invite governments, educators, youth, policy-makers and tech developers to come together to Advocate for ethical, inclusive and human-centered AI in TVET; To Collaborate globally to share best practices and fund digital skills training; To Support grassroots innovations that increase youth employability; To Amplify youth voices in decision-making about the future of work. Be part of shaping an inclusive, ethical and empowering future for all youth through AI and digital skills. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #15July, #WYSD, #WorldYouthSkillsDay.
EVENTS: This July 15th marks a dual milestone: the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) and the 5th anniversary of the Global Skills Academy (GSA).
At UNHQ; On July 15th; from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM ET(14:30 pm - 16.30 pm EST, Paris time) to observe the World Youth Skills Day 2025, a hIgh level event entitled “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.’’ organized by the Permanent Mission of Portugal and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations New York, in collaboration with UNESCO-UNEVOC, the International Labour Organization, the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, with Member States, young experts, social partners, teachers and educators, and other stakeholders, will be held. This event will bring also together students, governments, United Nations agencies, the private sector, and civil society representatives, to emphasize the urgent need to integrate digital and AI skills into learning systems, to empower young people to bridge digital divides, access emerging labour market opportunities and to build inclusive, sustainable, peaceful and resilient societies. More details on the event Register to participate and Watch the livestream!
At UNHQ; On July 15th; from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM ET(14:30 pm - 16.30 pm EST, Paris time) to observe the World Youth Skills Day 2025, a hIgh level event entitled “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.’’ organized by the Permanent Mission of Portugal and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations New York, in collaboration with UNESCO-UNEVOC, the International Labour Organization, the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, with Member States, young experts, social partners, teachers and educators, and other stakeholders, will be held. This event will bring also together students, governments, United Nations agencies, the private sector, and civil society representatives, to emphasize the urgent need to integrate digital and AI skills into learning systems, to empower young people to bridge digital divides, access emerging labour market opportunities and to build inclusive, sustainable, peaceful and resilient societies. More details on the event Register to participate and Watch the livestream!
From UNESCO; On July 15th, from 9:30-15:50 CEST (Paris time) A High-level panel discussions with UN officials, policy-makers, educators and youth leaders will be held at the Learning Planet Institute in Paris; The Hybrid event will be interpreted to French. Read the Provisional concept note, the Participant's logistic note. Get the Agenda. Register to participate online!
ACTIVITIES: This two-part intensive bootcamp is designed to equip young people with the essential skills needed to thrive in an automated world. It features a comprehensive curriculum and immersive experiences that build digital literacy, technical expertise, and soft skills. Up to 500 graduates and learners will participate in 10 self-paced modules—delivered six weeks ahead of the celebration—that cover a broad range of skills. Learn more about The 10 skills for the future of work.
Skills in Action Photo Competition 2025.
The Skills in Action Photo Competition 2025 will be held. If you are an amateur or professional photographer with an interest in youth skills? Don’t miss your chance to enter the UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition. You are eligible to participate as long as: you are at least 18 years old and you are the owner or copyright holder of the photo entry/entries. Click to learn more!
PUBLICATION: The youth survey report will be available after the results presentation during the live event on July 15th to explain how young people are navigating both the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. While 62% of youth are already using AI in real-world contexts. Read more.
STATEMENTS: Read the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Youth Skills Day 2025; July 15th.
On this World Youth Skills Day, we recognize that skills not just tools – they are engines of empowerment and opportunity.
From traditional knowledge to creative arts to community leadership, a diverse range of skills enable young people to shape their futures and build more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies.
This year’s theme rightly highlights the growing importance of digital and AI skills.
From basic digital literacy to advanced data science, these capabilities are ever more vital for young people to thrive in today’s world – and lead in tomorrow’s.
But opportunity must be universal. We must close the digital divide – so that every young person – regardless of gender, geography, or background – can reach their full potential.
Digital education must be human-centered, nurturing not only technical ability, but also creativity, critical thinking, and compassion.
And as AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners – but as co-creators of a fairer digital future.
Let’s do our part to equip every young person with the skills for the digital age.
António Guterres
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