Fill the skill gaps to empower youth for the job market

Global population dynamics are evolving, with numbers projected to exceed nine billion by 2040. As of July 11, 2026, the global population stands at 8.3 billion. However, beneath this headline figure, the world is undergoing a highly uneven demographic transition.
The latest report from the United Nations Population Fund reveals that the planet is now home to more than 1.9 billion people aged between 10 and 24, of whom over 1.2 billion are between 15 and 24 years old. Most of these individuals live in low- and middle-income countries and constitute a significant proportion of their national populations.
Although today’s youth population is the largest in history, job growth is projected to be 0.5 per cent in upper-middle-income countries, compared to 3.1 per cent in low-income nations.
This means that, over the next two decades, most countries with large youth populations will face challenges in meeting the basic needs of their citizens, especially given the social volatility often associated with youth bulges.
A report by Employment and Social Trends 2026 describes the global job situation for young people in low-income countries as “daunting.” According to the report, 27.9 per cent are neither in education, employment, nor training.
“Educated youth in high-income countries are not immune to uncertainty. The study warns that AI and automation could make it harder for them to find work and calls for ‘close monitoring’ of these technologies,” the report points out.
International Labour Organisation report states that global youth unemployment stands at 12.4 per cent, with 20 per cent of young people — around 260 million — are not in education or training.
As young people increasingly seek fairer, more equitable, and progressive opportunities and solutions within their communities, it is essential to address the diverse challenges they encounter in education, health, employment, and gender equality.
In various fields, technology is transforming work methods, including automated factories and the use of artificial intelligence tools. This shift is creating new opportunities but also raising a challenging question: Are young workers prepared for the jobs of the future?
For many, the challenge begins after leaving the classroom. Although millions earn degrees each year, employers consistently highlight a gap between academic qualifications and workplace demands.
Unesco, in its latest report, revealed that the global skills crisis is worsening as the pace of technological change accelerates. Currently, 450 million young people worldwide lack the skills necessary to succeed in the job market.
One in every five individuals aged 15 to 34 is not participating in formal skill development programmes.
Unesco's Global Skills Academy also revealed that approximately 40 per cent of current skill sets no longer align with job market demands. Additionally, the World Economic Forum projects that 22 per cent of jobs will undergo changes by 2030 due to technological advancements.
Research indicates that integrating technical training in classrooms with practical experiences - such as apprenticeships - can increase the supply of skilled workers for employers while also boosting employees' wages.
This underscores the importance of collaboration between the education and private sectors in enhancing employability within the green economy. Such partnerships not only bridge the skills gap, but also foster a supportive environment that cultivates the talents and potential of young people.
In this context, World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, serves as a powerful reminder of the global commitment to empowering young people through education, training, and opportunities.
With this year’s theme, 'Youth Skills for Peace and Development,' the message is clear: investing in skills means investing in the future.
This day also signifies that young individuals are not merely the future labour force; they currently play a vital role in today’s economy. Their enthusiasm, ideas, and contributions are significant in the present.
Finally, to create a brighter future, governments, educational institutions, and the private sector must collaborate more effectively to establish vocational training programmes, apprenticeships, and support initiatives for entrepreneurship.