"Unlocking the full potential of younger generations requires massive investment in inclusive quality education and training. Closing the skills gap can help create decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods at scale."
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

Every year, World Youth Skills Day reminds us that investing in young people is one of the most powerful investments societies can make. As the world navigates rapid technological change, climate challenges and evolving labour markets, equipping young people with the right skills has never been more important.

As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted in his message for this year's observance, unlocking the full potential of younger generations requires sustained investment in quality education and training. Closing the skills gap is not only essential for creating decent jobs, but also for building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.

At UNDP Saudi Arabia, this vision is translated into action through a range of initiatives that empower young people with the knowledge, practical experience and opportunities they need to contribute to the Kingdom's sustainable development journey under Vision 2030.

For the past three years, the UNDP Summer Academy Programme has opened the doors of the UNDP Country Office to aspiring young professionals, offering them a unique opportunity to work alongside UNDP teams and gain first-hand experience of the United Nations development system. Through mentorship, collaborative assignments and exposure to research, innovation and project development, participants strengthen both their technical and professional skills while deepening their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Young people also play an important role through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme, where national and international Youth UN Volunteers contribute to UNDP's programme and operational work while developing valuable professional experience in an international development environment. The programme reflects UNDP's commitment to creating meaningful pathways for youth engagement while strengthening national capacities.

Building technical expertise is equally central to UNDP's partnerships. Through its collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), UNDP supports the Young Talent Programme, which combines technical training, mentorship and capacity development to prepare a new generation of highly qualified professionals in Saudi Arabia's water sector. By investing in young talent today, the programme contributes to the long-term sustainability and resilience of one of the Kingdom's most critical sectors.

UNDP also continues to promote scientific literacy as an essential skill for the future through its partnership with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Through the SDG Collection, developed with Frontiers for Young Minds, complex scientific research is transformed into accessible articles reviewed by young readers themselves. This innovative approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking and scientific communication while helping young people engage with global challenges such as land restoration, biodiversity and climate change.

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared belief that the skills of the future extend far beyond technical expertise. They include critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, scientific literacy and the confidence to turn knowledge into action. Whether through research, volunteering, mentorship or hands-on learning, UNDP is committed to creating opportunities that enable young people to grow as leaders, innovators and active contributors to sustainable development.

This commitment reflects UNDP's broader mission to ensure that no one is left behind. By investing in young people from diverse backgrounds and equipping them with the skills to thrive in a changing world, UNDP is helping build stronger institutions, more resilient communities and a more inclusive future for all.

This World Youth Skills Day, we celebrate the energy, creativity and determination of young people across Saudi Arabia. They are not only preparing for the future. They are already helping to shape it.