World Youth Skills Day: 3 skills that are extremely important for all young people

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day to celebrate the importance of making youth employment-ready, capable of decent work and entrepreneurship. The theme for this year is ‘Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills’. The 21st-century education approach and job market both are different from what they were 20 years ago. Here are 3 skills that World Youth Skills Day gives importance to this year to help students grow and have a successful career ahead .

Digital literacySitting in a village of Rajasthan, one can now learn and deal with overseas clients. That’s the power Digital literacy holds. In 2025, using digital tools is not a choice anymore; it's a necessity. Knowing the use of digital equipment confidently and safely in daily life can actually make one go from zero to hero. It means making 100% use of the digital tool that someone has in their hand or pocket. It includes:

• Smart information consumption: Information accessibility has become widely easier with the blessings of the Internet, but to access the right information from the right source and decide how much to consume and what to ignore without being overwhelmed by the availability of the information, needs practice. Also, understanding the credibility of the information before consuming and believing it
• Creating digital content: Students have the power to use digital media in their studies the way they want, and it actually can drag them into the cream layer of their class if they know the smart use of digital sources that are available there without getting into any unethical trap.
• Safety and ethics: Digital literacy also equips students to identify potential online threats, teaching them digital security, like setting strong passwords.

With digital skills, now one can earn in lakhs sitting in the corner of their room. To make students aware of these vast opportunities is the need of the hour.

Soft skills‘You have amazing ideas but don’t know how to pitch?’ That happens because of a lack of soft skills.
Getting good marks and earning certificates makes one prominent, but staying relevant and leaving an impact even after leaving the room requires soft skills. These are personal qualities and social behaviors that help people succeed in both their work and personal lives. Some important soft skills include:

• Communication: Explaining your ideas clearly, listening to others, and giving or receiving feedback. This skill is essential in every job and in everyday life.
• Decision-making: In life, not everyone will be there to guide you on what is right and what is not. One needs to make their own decisions without feeling overwhelmed or confused — that’s a skill to nurture from an early age.
• Teamwork: Working well with others helps achieve shared goals and resolve conflicts. Employers value people who can cooperate with colleagues.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking: These skills equip one to identify challenges, think calmly, analyze options, and find effective solutions. This helps in handling unexpected situations.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Being willing to learn new things and quickly adjust to changes is important in a rapidly changing job market and digital world.

Often, people with strong soft skills get hired and promoted faster because they fit well within teams, are good leaders, and can handle challenges smoothly.

Technical and vocational skillsTechnical and vocational skills are practical abilities and specialized knowledge required for specific jobs. Theories are not useful unless one uses them for their real-life growth. These skills are usually learned through hands-on training and vocational courses. Some examples are:

• Technical skills: Abilities required to perform tasks in fields like technology (computer programming, data analytics, using machines), manufacturing (welding, carpentry), healthcare (operating medical equipment), or engineering (mechanical or civil works).
• Vocational skills: Different people have different interest areas and likings. If one starts getting trained on skills related to particular areas that they like, the chance of excelling in that field increases. It creates the ability to be self-employed, learning crafts besides their education, or after finishing their education.

Technical and vocational education prepares youth for immediate employment, helps fill industry shortages, and even supports those who want to start their businesses.