World Youth Skills Day

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

15 July

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to address you on the special occasion of World Youth Skills Day.

Young people are key agents in the fight against climate change, the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and achieving the 2030 Agenda. At the same time, the youths are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of the pandemic; and many young people are currently at risk of being left behind in education and employment during this crucial stage in their development.

Throughout my mandate, I have made Quality and Inclusive Education one of my key priorities. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has disrupted education for 1.6 billion children and young people, representing more than 90% of all enrolled learners. Never before have so many young students been out of school at the same time, disrupting learning and endangering livelihoods, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized.

Prior to the onset of COVID-19, young people were already three times more likely to be unemployed compared to their adult counterparts. As the pandemic pushes the global economy into a deeper crisis, the young generation is once again at risk to disproportionately bear the brunt of mass unemployment and underprotection.

Nonetheless, we take solace in seeing that young people are not passive victims of the COVID-19 crisis. They are also active responders and agents of change, reacting to these difficult times with activism, volunteerism and innovation. These actions need to be invested in, recognized and amplified. They are resilient. It is our responsibility as decision makers, to work with them to ensure that they have access to the necessary opportunities to pursue their education, employment and aspirations for the future.

Let us use this event to discuss concrete solutions to empowering youth with the right skills for the era of COVID-19 and beyond. We need to work together – Governments, the private sector, youth organizations, academia, and civil society – and rally behind young people, as we invest in the development of 21st century skills for the next generation of talents.

Building Back Better is only possible if we invest in our young generation, empower their participation in society and increase their access to education, training and jobs.

I thank you.