EU Pledges Ongoing Support for Bangladeshi Youth

With the theme "Focusing on youth empowerment through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills", WYSD marked its 10th anniversary this year.

"On this World Youth Skills Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to leaving no young person behind. Skills change lives. Let us build the future together," the EU Embassy in Dhaka said in a message marking the day today.

Highlighting Bangladesh's demographic dividend, the EU noted that the country's vibrant youth population can play a pivotal role in achieving its development goals if equipped with market-relevant skills.

The EU, through its budget support programme, is working closely with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to make it more inclusive and future-ready.

"The EU is proud to stand with Bangladesh in empowering its youth through skills, mobility, and opportunity," the EU Embassy said, underscoring the significance of investing in youth for Bangladesh's continued socio-economic progress.

Under its Talent Partnership Project, the EU is supporting the development of skills aligned with labour market needs, creating pathways to employment for Bangladeshi youth both at home and abroad.

Through its flagship Erasmus+ programme, the EU is also enabling young Bangladeshis to pursue study, training, and networking opportunities in Europe, fostering global skills and long-term connections.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes economies, the United Nations emphasized that TVET systems must evolve to prepare youth with future-oriented skills to meet emerging challenges while ensuring equitable AI implementation.

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day, recognizing the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship, reports BSS.