International Youth Day is a moment to reflect on the dynamic role of education and skills in shaping the future of our youth.

Read the perspectives of young individuals from around the globe on the urgency of educational reforms that foster creativity, inclusivity and practical learning, paving the way for generations of problem-solvers and innovators.

To cultivate a generation of problem-solvers, we must give room to creative expression

Creativity is often hailed as a cornerstone of 21^st century skills: it is the road to all other important skills, the means through which we analyze information, apply previous knowledge and problem-solve. But I remember many occasions when my creativity was nipped in the bud by my educators.

This is not uncommon. A study by George Land based on a test used by NASA tracked imaginative thinking skills from childhood to adulthood. It identified school – more precisely, the way it teaches us to think – as the cause of decline in creativity.

Bursts of creativity are criticized if they diverge from the norm. We wonder how to foster creativity, but an equally good question might be: how do we stop suppressing it?

We cannot expect youth to become problem-solving citizens if they never have the space to explore doing it on their own terms. And we cannot create this space through occasional dynamics or sporadic words of encouragement – it takes making creativity a daily reality.

Support is critical to close the gender skills gap

We are still living in a patriarchal society where girls face barriers to acquiring and using skills. The barriers come from discrimination, education inequalities, cultural and societal norms and lack of role models, which prevent young women from making progress. And even where there are laws to promote gender equality, implementation is lagging.

However, since COVID-19, we are seeing more and more girls and boys using smartphones to explore different skills, learn about diverse platforms, and access education in local and global forums. Digital platforms have been introduced to girls from different regions of Nepal to increase their awareness and access to education.

To reduce the gender skills gap, I have been working across Nepal with the National Adolescent Girl's Network to empower girls with leadership skills and technological literacy through educational programs and initiatives in schools.

We are seeing awareness slowly increase, and with it the confidence of girls to advocate for themselves to their local leaders. These efforts are vital in creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for girls throughout Nepal.

Curriculums and skills programs must be inclusive

As a young person in Zambia, I understand firsthand the challenges that we face in acquiring the skills and education needed to succeed in today's workforce. Many young Zambians finish school without any practical skills or experience, making it tough to find employment or start a business.

According to the Zambia National Human Resource Development Council, only 10% of Zambia's youth have access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs, and many young people are underemployed or working in low-paying jobs due to lack of experience or skills.

This highlights the need for more effective education and skills programs to help young people enter the workforce. Young people with disabilities also face significant barriers to accessing education and skills development opportunities.

One potential solution is to introduce vocational and technical education into the primary and secondary school curriculum. We must focus on increasing access to quality education, integrating skills development into the education system, and promoting inclusivity.

Education must be holistic to build a strong foundation

Accessible and quality education is critical for young people to fully realize their potential, but it must be holistic. Education should not only provide academic knowledge such as mathematics and science, but it must also encompass soft skills like emotional intelligence and teamwork, as well as critical life skills such as financial literacy and gender education.

These competencies are crucial for youth to become well-rounded individuals capable of making informed decisions and respecting diversity and the environment. These skills are often overlooked, but they are very important for young people to lead healthy and active lives and contribute to their local communities and beyond.

Young people require quality education that prepares us for life, not just school. This means more investment in innovative teaching methods. This way, we can become capable adults, both at home and professionally—the true aim of education.

More and more young people are learning about their rights and advocating for them, understanding that access to education is crucial for personal, familial and societal growth.

Let’s listen to what young people want

To create education systems that truly work to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed, we must reimagine education systems that empower youth with the skills to innovate, lead, and address the challenges of our time.

By listening to the voices of young people and implementing inclusive, skill-focused educational reforms, we can unlock the potential of the next generation to forge a brighter, more equitable future.