National Skills University Islamabad and SOS Foundation celebrate International Youth Day 2024 on 12th August

The National Skills University Islamabad and the Save Our Society Foundation (SOS) will co-host this year's International Youth Day, celebrating the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development." This event will spotlight the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping a sustainable future, focusing on the vital contributions of young people in Pakistan.

In a world where digital technologies are reshaping every aspect of our lives, the need for youth to be at the forefront of this transformation is more urgent than ever. The statistics are telling: young people are leading the charge in digital adoption, with 75% of those aged 15 to 24 using the internet in 2022, a rate significantly higher than other age groups. Yet, as digital opportunities expand, so do the challenges, especially for those in low-income countries and for young women, who often face barriers to accessing digital tools and acquiring digital skills.

The National Skills University Islamabad celebration is more than just a commemoration; it is a platform for youth to share their success stories, igniting a spark that others can follow. This event underscores the critical role of educational institutions like the National Skills University in equipping young people with the skills necessary for sustainable development. Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, the university has been a trailblazer in offering state-of-the-art skills training courses developed through UNESCO/UNEVOC's Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) program. These initiatives foster innovation and build a generation capable of driving sustainable progress in Pakistan and beyond.

The Co-host of International Youth Day Celebrations, Dr. Shaista Sohail, CEO of the SOS Foundation, will highlight her organization's efforts to empower youth to achieve their dreams through contemporary ICT technologies. Her message will resonate with the aspirations of many young people, particularly in an era where digital pathways are critical to unlocking opportunities and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year's International Youth Day theme, "From Clicks to Progress," is a call to action. It urges us to recognize the transformative power of digital technologies in advancing the SDGs and acknowledge the youth's pivotal role in this journey. Digital interactions are not just clicks; they are steps toward progress, each contributing to the broader goals of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

As we get closer to the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, young people's involvement in digital innovation is not just desirable; it is essential. By celebrating youth's digital contributions, we are acknowledging their role in shaping our future and inspiring further innovation and collaboration towards a more sustainable world.

By hosting this significant event, the National Skills University Islamabad and SOS Foundation reaffirm their commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development. It reminds us that with the right skills, tools, and opportunities in IT, young people can create a better, more equitable world.