Young people are encouraged to build the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital and changing world as the global community marks World Youth Skills Day 2026.

Observed every year on 15 July, World Youth Skills Day was founded by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.

This year's theme, "Skills for a Shared Future", focuses on how education and training systems can prepare young people to become active citizens and agents of positive change.

The IOL special representative, Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, indicated that young people should join decision-making table discussions that talk about their future.

The observance comes at a time when rapid technological advancement, including artificial intelligence, automation and the green transition, is transforming labour markets across the world.

As a result, young people are encouraged to develop not only technical and digital skills but also critical thinking, adaptability, communication, teamwork and ethical decision-making.

World Youth Skills Day also recognises that investing in skills development is key to reducing youth unemployment, promoting innovation and supporting sustainable economic growth.