The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2023 is "Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future." This theme underscores the essential role played by educators, including teachers and trainers, in equipping youth with skills to successfully transition into the labour market and actively contribute to their communities and societies.

With the rapid advancements in technology and evolving labour market dynamics, the need for agile and adaptable skill sets has become more pressing. It is imperative to empower young people to navigate these changes effectively. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes are well-positioned to address these demands by reducing access barriers to the world of work, ensuring the relevance, recognition, and certification of acquired skills, promoting green skills and sustainable practices, and providing skill development opportunities for youth who are not in education, employment, or training.

Three years ago, UNESCO launched the Global Skills Academy (GSA), serving as a comprehensive platform for accessing training that helps young people develop employable skills. Through the GSA initiative, UNESCO-UNEVOC collaborates with over 220 UNEVOC Centers across more than 140 countries, connecting learners with training opportunities offered by members of the Global Education Coalition. These selected trainings aim to assist 10 million young individuals in building employability skills and resilience by 2029.

WorldSkills International, operating in 85 member countries and regions, serves as the global hub for skills excellence, advocating for the benefits of vocational education and training among young people. Biennially, WorldSkills hosts the WorldSkills Competition and Conference, a global event that celebrates skills excellence and showcases how equitable access to skills can transform the futures of individuals, communities, and nations.

On World Youth Skills Day, let us unite in recognizing the potential of young people as catalysts for change and commit to providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to build a prosperous and sustainable world for all. Together, we can shape a brighter future where no young person is left behind.