UN chief calls for investing in youth skills development

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday called for investing politically and financially in developing the skills of young people so they can build a more just and sustainable future for all.

In his message on the first-ever World Youth Skills Day, Ban said skills development reduces poverty and better equips young people to find decent jobs, adding that it triggers a process of empowerment and self-esteem that benefits everyone.

"And it strengthens youth capacity to help address the many challenges facing society, moving us closer to ending poverty hunger, injustice and environmental degradation," he noted.

According to the UN statistics, almost 74 million young people (aged 15 to 24) were looking for work in 2014. And two thirds of youth in developing economies are without work, not studying, or engaged in irregular or informal employment.

While overall more young people have greater educational opportunities than in the past, there are still some 75 million adolescents who are out of school, denied the quality education they deserve and unable to acquire the skills they need, according to Ban.

"With the right skills, these young people are exactly the force we need to drive progress across the global agenda and build more inclusive and vibrant societies," Ban said.

In 2014, the UN General Assembly designated July 15 as World Youth Skills Day, which underscores the need to support programming and initiatives that equip young people with tools and resources to enhance their ability to make informed life and work choices. Endite