In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 July as World Youth Skills Day to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship, as well as for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," underscores the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

The world faces a multitude of challenges today, many of which affect the youth. It is crucial to equip youth with the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace, nurturing responsible global citizens, and promoting sustainable development to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. (Source : United Nations)

Michelle Kim is a sustainability educator, youth community leader and advocate working heavily on UN SDGs & Social+Environmental pillars of sustainability. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a study focused on sustainability at the University of Alberta, and is completing her Global Development Master’s Degree at Harvard University whilst working as a sustainability, leadership, and indigenous program manager at the University of Alberta. She has been involved in current climate education in both global South and North, working at international and local levels.

Anum Farooq is an Associate of the Royal College of Science and Imperial College London alumna. She is a UN YCIG Mentor, and current MTE Climate Ambassador with an interest in nature inspired art. She holds over a decade of experience in the education sector and has partaken in youth advocacy. Anum is the Director of Heal Earth; whose mission is to provide comprehensive, innovative educational solutions that empower the next generation to become environmental leaders and sustainability advocates.