Specialists affirmed that developing youth skills has become a fundamental pillar for building a more competitive and sustainable future, in light of the rapid transformations witnessed by the labor market locally and globally, which have imposed new requirements beyond academic qualifications to include digital skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt and continuous learning.

They pointed out that investing in skills development contributes to preparing a generation capable of innovation and competition, enhancing productivity, and supporting the national economy.

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They explained in their statements to 'Al Youm' on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, that integration between education, training, and the private sector represents a key pillar for preparing national cadres possessing future skills, affirming that the Kingdom has given great attention to empowering youth and developing their capabilities through qualitative initiatives and programs aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, thus enhancing their readiness for the labor market, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and establishing a culture of lifelong learning.

Skills to keep pace with the future

Educator Nadia Al-Ghamdi affirmed that today's youth need to possess skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and digital skills, along with the ability to adapt to rapid changes, explaining that developing these skills is achieved through applied education, continuous training, and practical practice that enhances readiness for the labor market.

Nadia Al-Ghamdi

She added that integration between education, training, and the private sector contributes to aligning educational outputs with labor market needs, and provides youth with realistic training opportunities that equip them with practical experience. She pointed out that digital skills, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship have become among the most important tools for innovation, raising productivity, and creating job opportunities, calling on youth to invest in continuous learning through educational platforms, obtaining professional certificates, and developing their skills to keep pace with future requirements, stressing that investing in skills is no longer an option but a necessity, and that every skill acquired by a young person today represents a greater opportunity for success and excellence tomorrow.

Skills that shape the future

Professor of Curricula and Teaching Methods, Dr. Amal Dhafeer Al Othman, affirmed that World Youth Skills Day represents an important occasion to emphasize that investment in human capital is the foundation for building a prosperous future, explaining that the rapid transformations in the labor market have made digital skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, ability to adapt, and continuous learning among the most important skills that youth need today to keep up with changes and achieve professional excellence.

Dr. Amal Al Othman

She added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoys leadership supportive of investment in human capital, as it has given great attention to developing youth capabilities through initiatives and programs that enhance the quality of education, develop skills, and enable youth to compete locally and globally, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. She affirmed that integration between education in all its sectors, training and professional development, in partnership with the private sector, represents a fundamental pillar for preparing qualified national cadres, calling on youth to make continuous learning a way of life, and to invest in developing their skills and acquiring experience, because the future will belong to those most prepared and capable of learning, development, and innovation.

Skill creates opportunity

Career counselor, organizational behavior practitioner, and trainer expert Hana Abdulaziz Al-Qasabi affirmed that today's youth need skills beyond academic qualifications, foremost among them critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, adaptability, and digital skills, noting that these skills can be developed through continuous training, practical practice, and engaging in diverse professional experiences.

Hana Al-Qasabi

She added that integration between education, training, and the private sector contributes to linking knowledge with application, and reducing the gap between educational outputs and labor market needs, while digital skills, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship represent key tools for raising productivity, creating new professional opportunities, and enhancing innovation and sustainable development. She called on youth to make continuous learning a way of life, develop their skills according to market requirements, and build a professional identity that reflects their added value, stressing that true success is achieved when skills are linked to contributing to solving the needs of society and the labor market.

Qualitative training experiences

Educator Zahraa Al-Qarni affirmed that the future requires youth who possess skills of critical thinking, digital proficiency, and collaborative work, explaining that these skills are built through stimulating educational environments, qualitative training experiences, and establishing a culture of lifelong learning, thus enhancing youth readiness to keep up with rapid changes. She added that integration between education, training, and the private sector is a pillar for building qualified human capital, by aligning educational outputs with labor market needs, and enhancing applied and skill-based experiences. She also affirmed that digital skills, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship have become a main driver of innovation and productivity, enabling youth to compete in the knowledge economy and contribute effectively to achieving sustainable development. She called on youth to invest in educational platforms and professional certificates, and to continuously develop their skills, stressing that learning is a never-ending journey, and that investing in skills is the real investment for the future.

Self-learning

Strategy and institutional excellence consultant and human capabilities development expert Haifa bint Kheiran Al-Saqr affirmed that self-learning has become one of the most important skills that youth need to keep pace with rapid transformations in the labor market, along with analytical thinking, social intelligence, effective communication, and awareness of the impact of technology and artificial intelligence in various disciplines.

Haifa Al-Saqr

She explained that developing these skills does not rely only on theoretical courses, but is achieved through practical experiences, simulating inspiring leadership models, and continuing to develop professional capabilities.

Cooperative training

She added that Saudi Vision 2030 has provided many initiatives and programs that support youth empowerment, through cooperative training programs, 'Tamheer', and others, stressing that the success of these efforts requires an effective partnership between employers and youth, based on granting real training opportunities, initiative spirit, and responsibility. She pointed out that digital skills, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship have opened wide horizons for youth to build their projects and innovations, calling for investing in continuous learning through professional programs and educational platforms, with a focus on building a clear specialized path. She sent a message to youth not to wait for perfection before entering the labor market, affirming that initiative and experience are the real path to gaining experience and building a professional personality.