The United Nations General Assembly established the World Youth Skills Day in December 2014. The day was created to raise awareness about the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The resolution for the establishment of this day was co-sponsored by Portugal and Sri Lanka, and it emphasises the critical role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in helping youth transition to the labour market and improving their socio-economic conditions. The first World Youth Skills Day was celebrated on July 15, 2015. Thereafter, the event is being celebrated yearly with a theme in focus, in each year. The theme of year 2024 World Youth Skills Day is tagged “Youth Skills for Peace and Development.” This theme underscores the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for fostering peace and driving sustainable development. It is important to note that youth play an indispensable role in shaping the future of any nation. With nearly half of the world’s population under the age of 30, investing in youth skills has never been more critical. Thus, this article delves into the significance of youth skills, with a special focus on Nigeria, Africa, and the global context.
According to the Islamic teachings, Islam provides profound insights into the value of knowledge and skill development. The Holy Quran emphasises the importance of seeking knowledge, as seen in Surah Al-Mujadalah (58:12): “…Allah will raise those who believe from among you, and those to whom knowledge is given, to degrees of rank…” This verse highlights the exalted status of those who seek and possess knowledge. Likewise, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was reported to have said: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This Hadith emphasises that acquiring knowledge and skills is not only beneficial but also obligatory, thereby establishing a foundation for personal growth and societal contribution. Like the Holy Quran, the Hadith also reinforces the significance of skill acquisition and education.
More so, renowned public figures have long advocated for youth empowerment through skill development. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, emphasises the transformative power of education, stating, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Her advocacy highlights the profound impact that educated and skilled youth can have on global peace and development. Similarly, Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in Economics, argues that human capabilities, which include skills and education, are central to development. His capability approach suggests that expanding the real freedoms and opportunities available to people, particularly the youth, is the most effective way to achieve sustainable development.
Looking critically, it is a known fact that skills development is a cornerstone of economic growth and social stability. It provides young people with the tools they need to secure employment, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. Moreover, skills foster a sense of purpose and empowerment, which are crucial for personal and collective peace. Africa, with its rapidly growing youth population, faces unique challenges and opportunities. According to the African Development Bank, over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. This demographic presents both a potential demographic dividend and a significant challenge if not properly managed. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, exemplifies these dynamics. The youth unemployment rate in Nigeria is alarmingly high, often cited as a catalyst for various social issues, including crime and social unrest. However, there are also inspiring examples of young Nigerians who have harnessed their skills to create positive change. Take, for example, the story of Silas Adekunle, a Nigerian robotics engineer who co-founded Reach Robotics. His innovative work in robotics not only showcases the potential of Nigerian youth but also highlights the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in driving technological advancement and economic development.
Globally, the importance of youth skills in fostering peace and development is universally acknowledged. The United Nations, through initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasises quality education and lifelong learning as pivotal for sustainable development. Goal 4 of the SDGs explicitly calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. Other initiatives which are focused on youth skills for peace and development such as UNESCO’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Global Youth Peace Ambassadors Program, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited program, Youth Employment in the Digital Economy (YEP) by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Peace First, European Youth Forum, Global Shapers Community by World Economic Forum, etc are advocating for the rights of young people and promotion of their active participation in society. These efforts have created positive impacts such as reduction in youth unemployment, promotion of peace and stability, economic development, social empowerment, technological advancement, enhanced civic engagement, etc. These initiatives collectively contribute to a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive world by harnessing the potential of youth skills for sustainable development and social harmony.
More so, education has been identified as the bedrock of skill development. In many parts of the world, including Nigeria and broader Africa, access to quality education remains a challenge. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes investing in educational infrastructure, training qualified teachers, and ensuring that curricula are relevant to the job market. In today’s digital age, technological skills are paramount. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, making digital literacy an essential skill for the 21st century. Young people who are adept at using technology are better positioned to innovate, solve problems, and drive development. For instance, in Nigeria, the rise of tech hubs and innovation centers like Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in Lagos provides young people with opportunities to develop digital skills and entrepreneurial ventures. These hubs serve as incubators for ideas that can transform societies and economies.
Beyond economic development, skills play a crucial role in peacebuilding. Young people equipped with negotiation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills are better able to mediate disputes and foster a culture of peace. Programs that focus on peace education and intercultural dialogue are essential in regions prone to conflicts. The African Union’s Youth for Peace Africa program is an excellent example of such an initiative. It aims to enhance the role of African youth in peacebuilding efforts across the continent, recognising that young people are both victims and perpetrators in many conflicts and can be powerful agents for peace.
As we reflect on the theme of this year’s World Youth Skills Day celebration, it is imperative to consider essential policy recommendations that can harness the potential of youth skills for peace and development. Strengthening these areas will have a significant impact. Key recommendations include investing in education, promoting STEM education, enhancing digital literacy, and supporting vocational and technical training to provide practical skills that match market demands. Encouraging entrepreneurship and fostering peace education are also crucial. By focusing on these areas, we can empower young people to become catalysts for positive change. Through collective efforts, we can ensure a brighter future for the youth of Nigeria, Africa, and the world.
Amb. Popoola Isiaka Olamilekan is Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador
