Online Report
Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus has highlighted the critical importance of preparing the country’s youth with entrepreneurial and technical skills to navigate the rapidly changing job landscape and help build a modern, prosperous nation.
In a message marking World Youth Skills Day on July 15, Prof Yunus said developing a skilled workforce is essential not only for accelerating Bangladesh’s growth but also for enhancing its competitiveness in the global labor market.
“With the world of work evolving at an unprecedented pace, particularly under the impact of artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is imperative that we transform our youth into valuable national assets,” Prof Yunus said.
“Our interim government, born out of the historic July movement, remains firmly committed to this mission—fostering employment and reducing inequality,” he said.
This year’s World Youth Skills Day, which also marks its 10th anniversary, carries the theme ‘Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.’ Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2014, the day underscores the strategic role of equipping young people with skills for decent work, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
The UN has warned that while AI is revolutionizing how people live and work, it could also widen existing inequalities if not implemented inclusively. Prof Yunus echoed this concern, stressing the need for Bangladesh’s education and training systems to adapt.
“Technical and vocational education must evolve to provide youth with future-ready skills. By embracing modern technologies, we can build a workforce that meets both domestic industry demands and strengthens Bangladesh’s position as a source of skilled talent for the global market,” he said.
Prof Yunus noted that the government has launched several initiatives to deliver demand-driven training programs aimed at creating employment opportunities both at home and abroad. He also praised the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) for its role in building a robust skills ecosystem through partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
“I hope this World Youth Skills Day will further raise awareness and accelerate our collective efforts toward empowering the next generation,” Prof Yunus said, conveying his best wishes for the success of all related initiatives.