By Geir T. Tonstol , Country Director ILO Pakistan and Abdullah Gauhar Malik, Digital Lead at Pakistan Observer
Every year, World Youth Skills Day gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on one of the most important questions facing countries around the world: are we giving young people the tools they need to build successful and fulfilling lives? For Pakistan, where young people make up a significant share of the population, this question is particularly important. We often describe our youth as our greatest asset, but potential alone is never enough. Potential must be matched with opportunity, quality education and the right skills. When those pieces come together, young people become innovators, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and leaders who help shape stronger communities and a stronger economy. When they do not, the consequences are felt not only by individuals and families but by society as a whole.
The world of work is changing at a remarkable pace. Advances in technology, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and the transition towards greener economies are transforming the skills that employers are looking for. Today’s young people need much more than technical knowledge alone. They need to be able to adapt, think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems and continue learning throughout their careers. This makes investment in skills development more important than ever before. It is no longer simply about preparing someone for their first job. It is about preparing them for a lifetime of learning and the ability to navigate a rapidly changing labour market. For Pakistan, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If we invest wisely in our young people today, they can help drive innovation, productivity and sustainable economic growth for decades to come.
Across Pakistan, encouraging progress is already taking place. Technical and vocational education and training programmes are expanding, apprenticeship opportunities are helping young people gain practical experience and partnerships between government, employers, workers’ organisations and development partners are creating new pathways into employment. Increasingly, we are also seeing young Pakistanis build careers through entrepreneurship, digital services, freelancing and innovation. These successes remind us that our young people possess remarkable talent, determination and resilience. What they need is an environment that allows those qualities to flourish and opportunities that are accessible regardless of where they come from or what challenges they face.
At the same time, we cannot talk about youth skills without recognising that the journey begins long before someone enters the labour market. Skills development starts with ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and remain in school. Recent estimates indicate that around 8.6 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labour in Pakistan, with more than 6.6 million involved in hazardous work. At the same time, approximately 25 million children remain out of school. These figures represent far more than statistics. Behind every number is a child whose opportunities have become more limited before adulthood has even begun. A child who leaves school too early or enters the workforce prematurely often misses the chance to acquire the knowledge, confidence and practical skills that open doors later in life. Protecting children from labour, improving access to quality education and strengthening skills development should therefore be viewed as part of the same national effort to create brighter futures for Pakistan’s young people.
Pakistan’s recent experience has also shown how quickly progress can be disrupted. The devastating floods of 2022 affected millions of people, damaged schools and disrupted education across large parts of the country. Families who lost homes, livelihoods and incomes often faced impossible decisions, and for many children returning to school became significantly more difficult. Climate related disasters, economic pressures and other shocks disproportionately affect the most vulnerable households, increasing the risk that children leave education and enter work prematurely. Recovery therefore is not only about rebuilding roads, schools and infrastructure. It is equally about rebuilding opportunity and ensuring that children and young people are not left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.
As Pakistan looks towards the future, our approach to skills development must continue to evolve. The economy that today’s students will enter over the coming decade will look very different from the one their parents experienced. Digital literacy, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship and adaptability will become increasingly valuable alongside traditional vocational and technical skills. Lifelong learning is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This requires education systems and training institutions that remain connected to the changing needs of employers while also encouraging creativity, curiosity and innovation. It also requires recognising that learning does not stop when formal education ends. Continuous upskilling and reskilling will become an essential part of working life for many people.
None of this can be achieved by one institution acting alone. Governments have an important role in shaping policy and investing in education and training, but meaningful progress also depends on employers who create opportunities for apprenticeships and workplace learning, educational institutions that prepare students for the realities of the labour market, workers’ organisations that advocate for decent working conditions and development partners that help strengthen national capacity. Communities and families also play a vital role by encouraging young people to pursue education and skills that will allow them to reach their full potential. When these efforts are aligned, they create an environment in which young people can succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
It is equally important that opportunities reach every segment of society. Young women, persons with disabilities, young people living in rural communities and those affected by poverty or displacement often face additional barriers to education, training and employment. Ensuring that these barriers are reduced is not simply a question of fairness. It is an investment in Pakistan’s future. Every talented young person who is able to complete their education, learn a skill or start a business strengthens the country’s workforce and contributes to long term economic and social development.
World Youth Skills Day is therefore much more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that investing in young people is one of the smartest investments any country can make. Every apprentice who learns a trade, every graduate who acquires practical workplace skills, every entrepreneur who turns an idea into a business and every child who remains in school rather than entering the workforce too early represents another step towards a more prosperous and inclusive Pakistan. If we continue to place young people at the centre of our efforts, not only on World Youth Skills Day but throughout the year, we will be investing in a future that benefits all of us.
