Q. How do global developments and advancements in the World of Work in relation to technology, climate and demographic changes inform ILO’s support to member states in the area of youth skills?
Technological advancements and the transition to low-carbon economies are transforming work processes, occupations, and the skills required, driving increased demand for skills related to digital and green transitions across various sectors. Demographic shifts, including youth population growth in many regions, further amplify the need for responsive and inclusive skills systems. It is in this context that we must address the triple challenge of jobs, skills, and aspirations mismatch among the youth.
In this context, the ILO supports member states in enhancing policies, governance, and financing mechanisms for effective and inclusive skills development, with a strong focus on youth. Central to this is a whole-of-government approach and active engagement of employers and workers’ organizations, along with education and training providers, in designing, implementing, and monitoring skills systems that respond effectively to structural transformation driven by rapid technological advancements, climate change, and shifting demographic patterns.
The ILO also helps strengthen skills needs intelligence to inform demand-responsive policies, upgrade curricula, and improve career guidance, ensuring that young people are equipped with skills for digital and green economies and better informed about the evolving labour market. In addition, the ILO promotes gender-responsive approaches to ensure equal access to training for young women and men alike and supports the implementation of quality apprenticeships aligned with the demands of the digital and green economies, providing a powerful means of developing workplace-relevant skills for youth.
The ILO’s approach to skills development for youth is firmly rooted in the principle of social justice, aiming for equitable outcomes through coordinated action and shared responsibility. These principles are embedded in its core policy documents and instruments, notably the ILO Global Strategy on Skills and Lifelong Learning, Recommendation No. 208 on Quality Apprenticeships, and Recommendation No. 195 on Human Resources Development.
Moreover, the ILO places significant emphasis on aligning job creation with the aspirations of young people. By promoting entrepreneurial skills and fostering innovation, the ILO aims to create an environment where youth can thrive in their chosen fields, turning their vision into reality. Engaging youth in policy dialogues and decision-making processes ensures that their needs and aspirations are at the forefront of national development agenda, thereby fostering a future where job creation and skills development are in harmony with the dreams and ambitions of young people worldwide.
