President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih decided on Tuesday to officially commemorate World Youth Skills Day at a national level in the Maldives every year, following a recommendation from the Cabinet. World Youth Skills Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of youth skills development and celebrate young people’s achievements.
Following the decision, World Youth Skills Day will be observed in the Maldives for the first time on July 15. The Cabinet made the decision today after reviewing a paper submitted by the Ministry of Higher Education.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 69/145, declaring that every July 15 will be marked as World Youth Skills Day on November 11, 2014. The resolution was adopted to recognise the importance of youth skill development for sustainable development.
The resolution proposes that member states implement several measures to develop youth skills. These measures encompass investing in youth skills development programmes, providing access to education and training, creating opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills, promoting recognition of non-formal and informal learning, and ensuring access to work opportunities.
World Youth Skills Day is also an opportunity to call for action to improve young people’s skills and ensure they have the chance to reach their full potential. In a developing nation like the Maldives, where there is a shortage of skilled youth in various professions, the national celebration of “World Youth Skills Day” is expected to motivate youth to pursue such activities.
