Saudi Arabia is enhancing the role of youth through “future skills,” as the Kingdom aims to achieve sustainable development in the skills of the future generation through advanced programs that improve competencies across various sectors. This coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations’ International Youth Skills Day, which this year emphasizes the importance of artificial intelligence and digital skills. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to preparing youth to face the challenges of a changing market.
Investing in Youth Skills
On July 15, 2025, the United Nations will celebrate its dedicated day for youth capabilities, highlighting the urgent need to expand the skill base, especially in areas related to digitalization and artificial intelligence. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through specific strategies, aims to enhance the role of youth with “future skills,” making their development a national priority. Youth represent a significant portion of the population, and it is essential to prepare them to take on responsibilities in an increasingly competitive job market.
Practical Initiatives to Keep Up with the Times
To enhance youth skills with “future skills,” the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has launched a national initiative that includes multiple training and competency development pathways. The ministry coordinates its efforts with over 150 experts from the World Bank and the International Labour Organization to identify the skills needed in the job market. These initiatives encompass information technology skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership training. This approach ensures that youth are equipped with qualifications that align with the demands of the current era.
Expanding Education and Training
Recognizing the importance of education and training in building youth skills, the Ministry of Education, Sadaia, and the Ministry of Human Resources are working to provide specialized educational programs focused on artificial intelligence. We appear to be on the brink of a true revolution in this field, fundamentally changing the way work will be conducted in the future. There is a trend to establish specialized centers in major and medium-sized cities to offer workshops and lectures aimed at preparing youth for the rapidly changing job market.
As the global trend centers around developing youth skills with “future skills,” Saudi Arabia is striving to keep pace with this through comprehensive strategies aimed at providing a conducive environment for youth, enabling them to fully benefit from available professional opportunities. This determination underscores the importance of equal opportunities and equipping youth with the necessary qualifications to achieve their future aspirations.