World Youth Skills Day 2025 is a UN observance on 15 July highlighting the importance of technical and vocational skills for youth. It was first celebrated in 2015 to emphasize how skill-based education can improve youth employment and livelihood.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes economies through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must evolve to equip youth with future-ready skills. AI is transforming how we live, learn and work — but it also poses serious risks if not implemented equitably.
15 July 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day and the 5th anniversary of the Global Skills Academy. The theme for this year focuses on Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.
Also Read: Important Days in July 2025

World Youth Skills Day is observed every year on 15 July. It highlights the need for vocational education, technical training, and hands-on skill development among young people. The focus is to help youth gain skills for decent work, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
Also Read: List of National and International Days 2025
The United Nations declared 15 July as WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY in 2014. The first celebration took place in 2015. The day is linked to global development goals, especially those related to quality education and employment. Each year, the day emphasizes the value of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in preparing young people for the future.
WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY brings together educators, governments, employers, and youth organizations. It promotes skill-based learning and encourages investments in training programs across the world.
Also Read: Swami Vivekanand

The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2025 is “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.” This reflects how AI, automation, and digital tools are shaping the world of work.
This year’s observance focuses on:
Events will include global forums, digital summits, and youth-led workshops. Campaigns will showcase stories of young people using technology to build careers or solve local challenges.
Also Read: World UFO Day
World Youth Skills Day started in 2015. It was established to address high youth unemployment and skills shortages. Data from that time showed that young people made up nearly 40% of the world’s unemployed population.
The aim was to draw global attention to the need for training that matches the demands of modern jobs. This includes both formal and informal education systems.
| Year | Theme |
| 2015 | Youth Skills for Work and Life in the Post-2015 Agenda |
| 2016 | Skills in Motion – Skills Rule the World |
| 2017 | Skills for the Future of Work |
| 2024 | Youth Skills for Peace and Development |
| 2025 | Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills |
Each theme reflects ongoing changes in the global economy. In 2025, the focus has shifted to digital skills and Artificial Intelligence, showing how skill requirements are evolving fast.
Also Read: International Plastic Bag Free Day
World Youth Skills Day is celebrated to close the gap between education systems and labor market needs. Many young people leave school without the practical skills required to find stable jobs.
Key reasons for celebrating WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY include:
| Objective | Explanation |
| Raise awareness | Highlight the importance of skill development among youth |
| Promote vocational education | Encourage hands-on, job-based training |
| Support policy change | Advocate for funding and reform in education systems |
| Celebrate youth achievements | Showcase stories of skilled young people making an impact |
| Build partnerships | Foster collaboration between government, educators, and industry leaders |
By spotlighting these goals every year, WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY creates momentum for long-term change in how youth are trained and supported.
Also Read: National Postal Worker Day
India observed the first National Youth Skills Day in 2015 by aligning it with World Youth Skills Day. That year, the government launched major skilling initiatives to train youth across the country.
National Youth Skills Day is observed every year on July 15 to emphasize the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The day aligns with India’s broader vision of creating a skilled and self-reliant workforce under the framework of initiatives like Skill India Mission. With over 60% of its population under the age of 35, India recognizes the potential of its youth as a driving force for economic growth. Various government schemes aim to enhance skill development, improve employability, and encourage innovation among youth across urban and rural sectors. Below is a table listing key schemes dedicated to youth skill development in India:
Following are the schemes for skill development in India:
| Scheme Name | Objective | Implementing Ministry/Agency |
| Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) | To provide skill training to youth in industry-relevant areas | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) |
| National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme | To promote apprenticeship training and incentivize employers | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
| Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) | To provide employment-linked skill training to rural youth | Ministry of Rural Development |
| Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) | To train youth in technical and vocational skills through ITIs | Directorate General of Training |
| Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) | To improve overall quality of skill development programs | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
| Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) | To improve the performance of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
India has a young population, with over 65% under the age of 35. To support this demographic, the government launched several schemes for youth skill development in India. These programs aim to create job-ready candidates, reduce unemployment, and build a skilled workforce.
India also observes 15 July as a day to highlight achievements in training. Events are held at state and national levels, where training centers, youth, and industry leaders participate.
Also Read: World Ocean Day
The 2025 theme places digital skills at the center of youth development. As industries shift towards AI, data science, and automation, traditional job roles are changing.
Key areas of focus include:
Training in these areas is critical not only for formal employment but also for self-employment and innovation.
Also Read: World Brain Tumor Day
World Youth Skills Day also brings new opportunities for international cooperation and innovation.
Governments can:
Youth organizations can:
Educators can:
Together, these actions can make the day a platform for measurable progress.
World Youth Skills Day serves as a global platform to support the skilling of young people. Since its start in 2015, the day has brought global attention to the need for hands-on, practical education.
In 2025, the focus on AI and digital skills reflects a shift toward future-ready learning. The day is not just symbolic—it’s a call to action for governments, institutions, and communities to invest in the next generation.
Are you preparing for UPSC 2026? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!
In countries like India, where the youth population is large and growing, National Youth Skills Day provides an annual moment to review progress, highlight successes, and renew commitments. With the right policies and programs, youth can become not just job seekers, but innovators and job creators.
The 2025 theme is “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.” It focuses on preparing youth for digital jobs through AI literacy and tech training. The aim is to align education with future workforce needs.
World Youth Skills Day began in 2015 after being declared by the United Nations in 2014. It was created to address youth unemployment and skills mismatches. The day is now marked globally every 15 July.
India launched the Skill India campaign on the first WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY in 2015. Since then, it observes the day by promoting skill development schemes. Events focus on training, employment, and youth empowerment.
India runs schemes like PMKVY, NSDM, and DDU-GKY. These programs offer short-term training, certification, and job support. They target youth in both urban and rural areas.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.