Be The Change: Empowering Youth With Cutting-Edge Skills

Young people across the world are facing diverse challenges. From climate change to social injustice, the future can seem daunting. But guess what? YOU have the power to be the change you wish to see in the world!

Imagine a world where young people aren't just prepared for the future, but they're actively shaping it. This is the essence of youth empowerment: equipping young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to take charge of their lives and positively impact their communities and the world, encouraging them to take charge of their own lives. 

What Does It Have To Do With Sustainable Development?

Sustainable development is about meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Here's why youth empowerment is closely linked to this concept:

• Young people today represent a historic demographic force, with over 3.28 billion people under 25 years old globally. Full of creativity, energy, and a fresh perspective, they are an invaluable asset for building a more sustainable and prosperous future. This is why the concept of a "youth economy" is gaining traction. When empowered, they represent a wellspring of innovation, energy, and resilience – essential qualities for tackling global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality.
• A skilled and engaged youth population presents a remarkable opportunity for economic growth and social progress. They are the drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, a variety of obstacles, such as education, unemployment, and restricted participation, hold young people back. Often discouraged rather than empowered, young people do not fulfil their potential.

Empowering young people isn't just about individual success; it's a strategic investment in a sustainable future. Their fresh perspectives and inherent interest in the planet make them invaluable allies in crafting solutions to the world's most pressing issues.

Did you know that July 15th is World Youth Skills Day? This year's theme, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," celebrates the incredible potential young people have to build a better future.

By supporting youth development, we're not just shaping individual lives; we're building a future where young people are active participants, not passive bystanders. This is how we ensure a world that thrives, not just for us but for generations to come.

How Can You Celebrate World Youth Skills Day?

There are many ways to participate in World Youth Skills Day and contribute to this important cause. Anyone can provide their support through the following points:

• Become a mentor and guide young people as they navigate their career paths. Offer guidance on resume writing, interview skills, or navigating specific industries.
• Support youth-led initiatives. This could be financial backing, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the project.
• Spread awareness through social media campaigns. Share articles like this one to promote the importance of skill development for youth and encourage others to get involved.

And for the youth themselves, let’s talk about skill development. 

Why Youth Skills Development Matters

In today's world, characterized by rapid technological advancements and global challenges, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce is essential. By fostering their unique talents and strengths through skill development, young people are empowered to meet these challenges and actively contribute to economic growth and social progress.

The future is full of possibilities, and the skills you develop today will set you on the path to success. This skillset focuses on two main areas: soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills are all about how you interact with the world around you, while hard skills are the technical abilities you learn through specific training or education.

Essential Skills for Young People

There are several categories to which you can divide the key skills beneficial for the development of young people.

• Behavioural Skills: These "soft skills" are essential for success in any field. They encompass communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
• Digital Literacy: Understanding and proficiently using technology is a necessity in the digital age. Whether pursuing a career in tech or not, digital skills are crucial for navigating new technologies, connecting with others, and acquiring and analyzing information.
• Entrepreneurship: This fosters innovation, creativity, and self-reliance, all vital qualities for economic growth.
• Leadership: Leadership skills allow young individuals to inspire, influence, and drive positive change. Opportunities for developing leadership can be found through participation in student councils, volunteering in communities, or spearheading social campaigns.
• Sustainability: With increasing concerns about climate change and environmental conservation, knowledge and skills in sustainability can offer a distinct advantage, particularly for "green jobs" focused on environmental solutions.

Skill Set For The Future

As we look towards the future, the need for a diverse, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce becomes even clearer. By prioritizing youth skills development, we can empower young people to succeed in their chosen fields and reduce the risk of unemployment for future generations. 

Let's start with soft skills, the cornerstones of effective communication and collaboration. According to an article in Forbes magazine, the importance of collaboration between younger employees and experienced leaders is crucial. Younger generations bring fresh perspectives and technological know-how, while leaders can provide guidance and mentorship.

This approach fosters a culture of respectful communication and empowers younger employees to contribute their ideas and skills. Employers who invest in their employees' development through mentorship programs and training will benefit from a more engaged and innovative workforce.

Let’s have a closer look at the desirable skillset…

Skills For Leaders

• Respectful communication: Transparency and open communication build trust and encourage younger employees to contribute.
• Skill development: Invest in mentorship programs and training to empower younger workers and enhance their value.
• Ownership and decision-making: Trust younger employees with responsibility and involve them in decision-making to foster intrinsic motivation.

Skills For Youth

• Set personal standards: Define your strengths, weaknesses, and goals to chart your career path.
• Seek mentorship: Actively seek out mentors and learn from their experiences.
• Lifelong learning: Stay updated with industry trends, attend workshops, and continuously develop your skills.
• Discipline and consistency: Develop a routine and stick to it to achieve your goals.
• Stretch goals: Set ambitious goals to push your boundaries and drive excellence.
• Self-assessment: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
• Open to feedback: Seek constructive criticism from mentors and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.

Unleash Your Inner Changemaker

Ever doubt young people's ability to create real change and make an impact? Think again! I've personally encountered brilliant young minds and entrepreneurs tackling diverse issues. Let me inspire you with a number of ideas and stories on how to take action and become a changemaker.

Feeling overwhelmed by where to begin? Our guide, "Overcoming Overwhelm: How to Start Your Sustainability Journey," provides a beginner-friendly roadmap for adopting eco-friendly habits and contributing to a brighter future.

Overcome Your Fears

Feeling overwhelmed by eco-anxiety? Don't let eco-anxiety paralyze you! Instead, channel those concerns into positive action. Join a local conservation group where you can connect with others who share your passion for the planet. Learn sustainable practices to reduce your own environmental footprint and inspire those around you to do the same. To get started on your sustainability journey, here are some helpful resources: "Tackling Eco-Anxiety: Finding Peace in a Changing World" explores the link between environmental worries and mental health, offering strategies to manage eco-anxiety and find purpose through action.

Environmental Advocates

Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build your network, and discover your passion. Ready to test your skills and make a real difference? Here are some epic missions to choose from. Here are some specific volunteer opportunities for environmentally-conscious young people:

• Tree planting or habitat restoration projects help combat deforestation and promote biodiversity.
• Beach or waterway cleanup efforts can tackle plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
• Volunteering with local farms or organic gardens teaches you about sustainable agriculture and healthy food systems.
• Advocacy organizations empower your voice to influence environmental policy decisions.

Learn more about volunteering opportunities in this article.

Environmental Warriors

Let’s get to the inspiring stories… most recently, I have met a young boy who hasn’t even graduated. Yet, he has planted over 200 mangroves in his local community to protect his village from floods. In fact, his story was the one that inspired me to write this article. 

Of course, we can all have a look at the inspiring stories of the youngest Nobel prize winner, Malala or the well-known Greta Thunberg. But these are all stories that we are very familiar with, and trust me when I say that there are many other inspiring examples. 

Melati Wijsen

Melati Wijsen's journey as a changemaker began at 12 with Bye Bye Plastic Bags. Since then, she's led youth movements, spoken on global platforms, and graduated early to pursue change-making full-time. Bye Bye Plastic Bags is an NGO driven by youth to say NO to single-use plastic bags. Melati is also the co-founder of YOUTHTOPIA, a learning platform for young changemakers to learn from each other and accelerate change.

Jack Harries 

Jack Harries and his twin brother started a YouTube channel, “Jacksgap,” in 2011 during their gap year, which rapidly gained popularity. Soon enough, Jack co-founded Earthrise Studio, an impact-driven media company that aims to tell stories for a new world.

Jack has worked on many fascinating projects and award-winning original series such as ‘Seat At The Table' and 'The Breakdown'. Explore the Earthrise Studio and learn more about a variety of climate-related topics.

Jeffrey Opoku

Jeffrey has dedicated to a just transition for his community. He launched his first community-led project, which led him to nationwide education campaigns, founding Sustainability Week Accra for university students and gathering 125 young Ghanaians to address environmental issues. He currently serves as a youth representative at the World Future Council, co-leading youth engagement efforts.

George, Shubhan, Sumedh and Reichen

Inspired by the first hand experience of flood in their local area of North Carolina. This team of young students decided to do something about it. They created FloodGate, a revolutionary computational tool that allows you to predict flood patterns in a way that has never been done before and won the Earth prize of 2024. This fresh start-up is still on its way, but let's see where this group of talented youngsters will take us.

Don’t forget that if you have an idea of your own, don’t hesitate and apply for such competitions, not only that, you might be able to receive funding but also gain more visibility and traction for your business. 

“It is the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”

Charles Darwin

Did you realize something? Yes, none of these changemakers were alone. We often underestimate the power of collaboration, fearing it might burden others. Yet, the stories of Melati, Jack, and countless others prove the opposite.  It is collaboration, that is the true source of our success, both on a personal and environmental level.

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Article by Bibiana Eva Bartschova. I am an impact-driven researcher from Czech Republic. My passion for youth advocacy led me to Green Cloud Nine, as a writer and editor I am able to share with you knowledge contributing to a better world.