World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on 15 July, emphasizes the crucial role of empowering young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” highlights the importance of equipping youth with the abilities to drive positive change in society. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, World Youth Skills Day 2025 accentuates the strategic importance of providing young individuals with the tools needed for decent work and entrepreneurial success.
Invest in Local Talent and Scale Capabilities
Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India said that MediaTek has always believed in investing in local Indian talent and scaling capabilities to drive innovation for India and global markets. By providing access to workshops, mentorship programs, and technical training sessions, MediaTek cultivates young minds and provides them with regular opportunities to upskill their talents, he added.
“We are in an era of technological advancements and as it continues to evolve at an rapid pace, equipping young minds with critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills has become just as important as their technical expertise. We all should focus on transforming education by fostering a learning environment that prioritizes innovative skills like AI, IoT, and data analysis, we can empower the next generation to become innovators, driving progress for themselves and the nation. Organizations should also take necessary steps and organize sessions, to help their employees upskill their talent. The upcoming generation holds immense potential. It therefore becomes crucial for us to nurture the younger generation, to foster a culture of peaceful and sustainable development,” commented Jain.
Embracing Technological Innovation
Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, emphasizes the significance of addressing global challenges through coordinated efforts and technological advancements. “Our world is facing pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges, making us vulnerable to conflicts over land, water, and other resources,” Kumar states. He advocates for the utilization of technology as a unifying force and highlights the potential of youth to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to these issues.
“At Esri India, we work with the young minds of 800+ academic institutes through programs like the Esri India Young Scholar program, Master Mentors Geo-enabling Indian Scholars (MMGEIS) Program, and the Master’s Scholarships in GIS. Imparting knowledge of GIS to students of every discipline is extremely important,” Kumar adds. He believes that nurturing the younger generation is key to fostering a culture of peace and sustainable development.
Artificial Intelligence is the Next Big Disruptor
Vaishnavi Shukla, HR Head, Comviva, said “As the use of artificial intelligence has started to permeate every industry, AI and allied technologies are playing a significant role in revolutionizing the technology industry by automating tasks, improving decision-making, and providing new insights. With a huge number of youth workforce graduating every year in India, it has become crucial for the government, industry, and academia to work in tandem to upskill/reskill these youth in order to become a right fit for the industry with the dynamic technological advancements.”
She further added that Comviva recognized the immense potential young people bring to the workforce and have introduced initiatives like finishing school for college graduates wherein they do a touch-up to the new joiners’ existing skills and try and revive them to the extent that their existing skills become reusable for the company. “We have also partnered with various universities in Bhubaneswar and launched a short-term course in AI/ML to equip students with practical skills that are in line with industry requirements. By investing in their development, we’re not only building a stronger Comviva but also contributing to a brighter future for our industry and society as a whole,” she said.
Holistic Education for a Competitive Edge
Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to education in today’s evolving job market. “In today’s ever-evolving job market, youth need a blend of advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities to thrive. With the advent of new technologies, it is crucial to incorporate immersive, personalized, experiential, and project-based learning into the curriculum. This holistic approach not only enhances their knowledge but also gives them a competitive edge, fostering peace and development,” he explains.
Empowering Youth for the Digital Age
Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation and VP Marketing Communications & Brand at IDEMIA, acknowledges the potential of young people as future innovators. “On World Youth Skills Day, IDEMIA proudly acknowledges the incredible potential of young people as the innovators of tomorrow. Committed to empowering youth with essential skills, IDEMIA aims to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. At the IDEMIA Skilling Center, we provide comprehensive training to nurture a new generation of leaders to address global challenges and drive positive societal change. By equipping young people with the necessary expertise and fostering an environment of innovation and learning, IDEMIA is dedicated to shaping a brighter future where young talents can thrive and contribute to a more secure and technologically advanced global community,” she says.
Building a Secure Digital Future
Rajarshi Bhattacharyya, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of ProcessIT Global, highlights the importance of equipping young minds to protect tomorrow’s digital landscapes. “Public-private partnerships are vital in preparing our youth to handle the diverse challenges of the digital era. Through these collaborations, we can build a resilient workforce capable of protecting our digital future. At ProcessIT Global, we encourage collaboration among industry, academia, and government agencies to establish large-scale cybersecurity awareness initiatives. By launching programs aimed at producing highly skilled cybersecurity professionals, we can address the existing skill shortages in the domain and ensure a secure digital landscape for generations to come,” Bhattacharyya notes.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders
Chetan Jain, Founding Executive Director and Managing Director of Inspira Enterprise, celebrates the potential of youth in the cybersecurity domain. “The shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals is a significant challenge for organizations today. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, targeting businesses more than ever, organizations must develop programs that offer mentoring in cybersecurity for youth. These initiatives will also encourage them to pursue cybersecurity as a profession. As our society increasingly relies on technology, empowering our youth with cybersecurity skills is essential to safeguarding our digital world and ensuring a resilient digital future. Furthermore, integrating GenAI into youth cybersecurity training is pivotal for preparing the next generation of cyber defenders,” Jain explains.
