Youth at the Centre: Building Skills, Shaping the Future

It has been 30 years since the adoption of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) in 1995. WPAY remains the key global framework across 15 priority areas such as education, employment, participation, and health. Over the past three decades, youth issues have been more prominent in national strategies, legal frameworks, and intergovernmental processes. The establishment of the UN Youth Office and mechanisms like the ECOSOC Youth Forum reflects growing institutional support that meaningfully includes youth.  

However, disparities in implementation of these actions persist. 1 in 5 youth are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), with two-thirds being female. Unemployment remains high in regions such as Arab States, East Asia, and the Pacific, marking regional disparities. Addressing these disparities calls for renewed investment in youth development, with a focus on skills, innovation, and inclusion. 

Developing Future-Proof Skills 

Rapid digital and environmental transitions demand adaptable skills that go beyond literacy and numeracy. Youth now need technical, green, and transferable skills such as problem-solving and creativity to navigate a changing world. While countries are updating education systems and promoting entrepreneurship, barriers such as gender inequality, limited connectivity, and lack of access to quality training continue to hinder progress. Global initiatives like Generation Unlimited and the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection are helping bridge gaps by promoting youth employability and green innovation. 

Balancing Opportunities and Risks of Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, work, and civic life. It offers new opportunities but also risks reinforcing bias and exclusion. Many young workers, particularly in developing countries, face precarious digital jobs with little protection. National strategies in countries such as the Philippines, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia emphasize youth inclusion and ethical AI use, while UN frameworks call for human rights-based and transparent governance. Ensuring that youth can both benefit from and shape AI innovation is key to an inclusive digital future. 

Fostering Social Resilience 

Youth resilience relies on mental health, civic engagement, and safe participation online. Many young people face challenges such as cyberbullying and misinformation, with young women disproportionately affected. Member States are expanding mental health support, digital literacy programmes, and volunteerism, while UN entities and youth organizations continue to promote civic participation and responsible digital engagement as foundations for stronger communities. 

The Way Forward 

Advancing youth development requires integrated action across education, technology, and inclusion. The Secretary-General’s report on “Policies and Programmes Involving Youth” (A/80/375) calls on Member States to invest in future-proof skills, strengthen ethical AI governance, and build social and digital resilience. Marking the thirtieth anniversary of WPAY, it urges renewed global commitment to ensure that youth are not only beneficiaries but co-creators of a more sustainable and just future. 

Read the full report here.