New Delhi: Every year on 15 July, World Youth Skills Day reminds us of a global truth: investing in youth skills isn’t just an act of inclusion—it’s a strategic bet on the future. As we step into an era shaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation, the spotlight this year turns to a powerful theme: “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.”
A Changing World of Work: Why Digital Readiness Matters?
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, over one billion jobs—almost one-third of all jobs worldwide—will be transformed by technology. Roles once defined by manual tasks now demand digital literacy, data-driven thinking, and adaptive learning. For young people entering this shifting landscape, these aren’t “nice-to-have” skills—they’re survival essentials.
A recent UNESCO report shows that while digital fluency is rising among youth, access and skill depth remain uneven, especially across developing economies. Bridging this digital divide is crucial not only for economic inclusion but for shaping a workforce that can innovate, lead, and solve real-world problems.
While traditional digital skills—like coding, cybersecurity, and cloud computing—are vital, AI is bringing in new possibilities. AI literacy is teaching young people to ask better questions, harness data responsibly, and design solutions that are ethical and human-centred.
According to Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and CEO, Imarticus Learning, “with AI projected to contribute $13 trillion to global GDP by 2030, we are responding by preparing individuals who are not only skilled but also innovation-ready and responsible contributors to the digital economy. At Imarticus Learning, we’ve seen a 118% surge in demand for AI-related courses, a macro trend driven by companies prioritising productivity and professionals seeking to future-proof their careers.”
From AI-driven climate models developed by student researchers to chatbots supporting mental health among peers, young innovators worldwide are proving that AI isn’t just about automation; it’s becoming a catalyst for social impact and entrepreneurship.
The Power of Blended Skills: Tech Meets “Power Skills”
Digital transformation isn’t only about technology. Global talent reports consistently highlight “power skills” like critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration as the real differentiators. A future-ready youth workforce will combine technical fluency with creativity and ethical judgment—qualities AI itself can’t replicate.
Leading organisations and governments now invest in blended learning programmes, hackathons, and real-world projects to help youth build both digital and human-centred capabilities.
Lalith Sharma, President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Inspira Enterprise, is of the view that “AI literacy goes beyond writing complex algorithms, well into understanding the implications of AI on cybersecurity, the working of AI systems and techniques in building resilient systems, and securing generative AI (GenAI).”
He further explains that AI has significantly redefined cybersecurity and continues to offer immense potential for deeper, more proactive defence capabilities. However, the shortage of skilled security professionals for implementing and managing AI systems is still a challenge and has to be addressed through targeted training programs. Besides, AI-driven security solutions can also help in closing the skills gap with self-service security models. Such advancements are compelling organisations to reevaluate the skills and capabilities they value in the workforce.
True empowerment demands equity. Gender, geography, and socio-economic status often shape who gets access to cutting-edge skills. Initiatives like community-based digital labs, AI fellowships for underrepresented groups, and mobile-based learning platforms are making a difference, but scaling these solutions remains an urgent priority.
Looking forward: youth as co-creators of the AI era
On this World Youth Skills Day, the message is clear: young people are not just future employees; they are creators, innovators, and leaders shaping what AI and digital transformation will look like. Empowering them isn’t just about teaching tools—it’s about inviting them to redefine the purpose and impact of technology itself.
NETSCOUT has a long history of bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation with Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) skillset development by reaching out to communities that are often underrepresented in technology. As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, we believe it is crucial to empower our youth with AI and digital skill sets in an increasingly digital world,” explains Vinay Sharma, Regional Director, India and SAARC, NETSCOUT
By investing boldly and inclusively in AI and digital skills, we unlock youth potential—not just to keep pace with the future of work, but to lead it with vision, responsibility, and humanity.
