The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) highlighted the significance of increasing awareness about the pivotal role of youth in shaping a brighter future in a press release on Monday on World Youth Skills Day, celebrated annually on July 15.
ICESCO said it’s important to “prepare young people, enhance their skills, harness their potential to foster sustainable development within their communities, and inspire them to channel their creative energies” across various fields.
With rapid technological advancements and associated challenges, ICESCO called for increased investment in youth, giving them the tools and methods they need to enhance their professional skills, thereby “creating a workforce capable of driving economic growth.”
International and regional cooperation with civil society, universities, as well as technical and vocational training institutions is necessary to achieve these goals, aligning with ICESCO’s new vision and action strategy.
ICESCO has launched several initiatives and programs to empower youth across its member states. These include the ICESCO Year of Youth initiative, focused on capacity-building and skill development, and the a-Hub Accelerator Program, designed to train youth in creating small projects in technology and innovation.
The organization also has held international events such as the International Entrepreneurship Summit, workshops on educational satellite design (CanSat), the Youth Climate Leadership Training Camp, and the Leadership Training for Peace and Security program (LTIPS), which appoints ICESCO Youth Ambassadors for Peace.
ICESCO reiterated its commitment to training a generation of young leaders and to fostering innovation and empowering youth as catalysts for positive global change.