In today's world, rapid technological advancements and automation are reshaping industries and the world of work. Concurrently, we face complex and pressing challenges at both local and global levels—from climate change and food insecurity to poverty, social unrest and conflicts.

These circumstances demand an urgent and thorough transformation of education, placing major emphasis on career readiness that fosters leadership in students. Such leaders will thrive in an economy shaped by artificial intelligence and shape a better future for themselves, while also driving positive change benefiting their communities and the world.

We can achieve these goals by connecting schools with global industry leaders, centering gender equity, harnessing diversity in critical industries like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), integrating community work into career education and preparing the workforce needed for the green economy.

Quality education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society, equipping young minds with the skills necessary to successfully navigate an ever-evolving job market, drive innovation and thrive in the economy of the 21^st century.

As emphasized by the African Union Year of Education 2024, it’s imperative we recognize the importance of quality basic education and foundational skills to prepare children for the world of work, including the literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional and critical thinking skills cultivated within the classroom.

Connecting career education to foster global perspectives

Embedding global perspectives into career education ensures students understand and appreciate diverse cultures and global challenges. Facilitating global industry-school partnerships that connect educators and students with industry leaders can achieve this, exposing school communities to diverse mindsets and cultural practices as well as insights into how theoretical knowledge translates to practical solutions for global challenges.

Partnerships such as the one between Teach For All and Dow involve corporate volunteers visiting schools in underserved communities. During sessions with educators and students, volunteers share their knowledge and experiences to provide guidance and inspiration on applying STEM concepts learned in the classroom toward solving real-world problems.

Keeping gender equality at the center

Girls face a massive learning and skills gap that must be addressed. According to UNICEF, about 1 billion girls and women lack the skills they need to succeed in rapidly changing job markets globally, and a staggering 1 in 4 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 is not engaged in employment, education or training—a stark contrast to the 1 in 10 boys facing the same circumstances.

In times of crisis, the gender divide in skills and survival rates becomes even more pronounced, underscoring the need for a gender equality lens in educational strategies to close the skills gap and empower girls to become advocates, professionals and forces for change.

In Cambodia, GPE is collaborating with UNICEF and the government to enhance life skills education with a focus on green skills through funding from the GPE Multiplier. This initiative involves training educational stakeholders and engaging communities, especially girls, for local climate advocacy, and developing soft and technical skills related to climate change in primary and secondary—supporting girl leaders to spearhead community-based green projects in turn.

Harnessing diversity in the STEM industry

Inclusivity in the STEM industry is crucial because it leads to more comprehensive and effective solutions that reflect the diversity of communities and societies, tapping into a wealth of perspectives and collective wisdom. Diversity in STEM education is key to promoting such equity as is supporting learners from all backgrounds to access STEM education that can prepare them to enter and thrive in STEM careers.

In this BOLD Podcast, you can listen to educators from Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Poland share their inspiring stories and strategies about the role teachers and schools play in empowering girls in STEM education and their careers to achieve gender equity.

Incorporating community work into career education

Community work is essential for fostering skills important for both the world of work and active citizenship. Through participation in local environmental initiatives and partnerships with community organizations to expand the impact of their work, students learn how to actively address local needs.

These experiences enhance student problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities and deepen their understanding of the broader societal impact of their actions. For instance, Mary Nyadoi, an alumna of Teach For Uganda, works with students at her school to establish vegetable gardens and recycle plastic into seating.

Community work teaches students the importance of social responsibility and civic engagement, preparing them to be conscientious citizens who strive for collective improvements.

A holistic approach to career education that integrates community service cultivates a generation of well-rounded leaders equipped with work-readiness skills, committed to making a positive difference in their communities and to contribute meaningfully to society.

Preparing for the green economy

As we transition towards a global green economy, the demand for green skills in the job market is growing exponentially.

Education systems have a pivotal role in ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized groups, have access to learning opportunities that will enable them to participate in and contribute to sustainable development by including green skills in curricula. Teachers play a pivotal role in spreading these transformative strategies and require training support to adapt green initiatives to their contexts.

Where education goes, the economy will follow, and by equipping young people with green skills, we pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. We must continue to share inspiring stories and best practices to ensure all students thrive in their future careers and help shape a better world for themselves, their communities and all of us.

Join GPE youth leaders and invited guests for the annual youth-led Futures Festival: Education for skills to empower and engage for discussions on the urgency of equipping youth with 21^st century skills on July 15^th.