15 July: International Youth Skills Day

On 15 of July 2025, World Youth Skills Day brings to the fore the need to strengthen young people’s skills to adapt to a rapidly changing world of work. With youth unemployment remaining a challenge, investment in education and training is more critical than ever. 

According to UNESCO, around 30% of young people worldwide do not have access to adequate education or vocational training. At the same time, the global job market requires skills such as digital fluency, critical thinking and data management, which are in short supply. McKinsey & Company predicts that by 2030, 85% of jobs may require new skills due to automation and artificial intelligence. 

Businesses have a key role to play in meeting this need. Internship programs, scholarships and collaborations with educational institutions strengthen the connection between theory and practice. Companies like Google and IBM have already invested in training platforms, providing free certificates in areas such as programming and data analytics. 

Upskilling young people is not only a social investment but also a strategic need for businesses. Studies by business consultants show that companies investing in employee training show a 21% increase in productivity. In addition, innovation is boosted as young employees bring new ideas and perspectives. 

The International Youth Skills Day is a reminder to the business world of our country that skills are the key to reducing unemployment and sustainable development. By investing in the younger generation in collaboration with business and strategy consultants in Larnaca and across Cyprus, Cypriot businesses are shaping a more innovative, productive and fair future.