As artificial intelligence, climate change and digital transformation reshape the global economy, experts say equipping young people with future-ready skills is critical for sustainable growth across the Global South.

Marking World Youth Skills Day, the United Nations called for greater investment in technical, digital and green skills to help youth become innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers in an increasingly complex world of work.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 85 million young people worldwide remain unemployed, with the highest burden falling on developing countries. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that technological change will create 170 million new jobs globally by 2030 while displacing around 92 million, underscoring the urgent need for reskilling and lifelong learning.

Across Asia, Africa and Latin America, governments are expanding vocational training, digital education and AI literacy to prepare young people for emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and the digital economy.

Development experts say the Global South, home to the world's largest youth population, has a unique opportunity to turn its demographic dividend into economic growth by investing in quality education, innovation and workforce development.

They stress that stronger partnerships among governments, educational institutions, businesses and international organizations will be essential to close the skills gap and ensure young people are equipped to lead the future economy rather than be left behind.

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