By Sue-Ann Wayow

AS government starts to plan its first national budget, youth development will be a central pillar of its national growth strategy.

This is the assurance coming from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as she issued a message in commemoration of the United Nations’ World Youth Skills Day (WYSD).

WYSD is commemorated on July 15 every year.

This year’s theme is “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills”

The prime minister said the theme was in alignment with her government’s core commitment to prepare young people to lead and thrive in a digitally driven world.

Since taking office just two months ago, Persad-Bissessar said her government has already established the Ministry of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence to drive innovation across governance, education, and the economy.

This in addition to reinstating the Schools Laptop Programme, ensuring every Form One student receives a personal device advancing digital inclusion, opportunity, and equity.

Persad-Bissessar said, “As we look toward our upcoming national budget, youth development will be a central pillar of our national growth strategy. We will invest substantially in technical and vocational education and training to provide practical, future-ready skills.

“Promote ethical and inclusive digital literacy, empowering young people to become innovators and responsible leaders and create sustainable pathways to decent work and entrepreneurship through expanded training, alignment with job markets, and support for youth-led enterprises.”

 She said World Youth Skills Day was not just a commemoration, it was a global call to action.

“As Prime Minister, I remain committed to building a society where every young person is empowered and equipped to shape a better future,” Persad-Bissessar said.

This year marks the 10th anniversary since WYSD.

The UN stated on its website, “As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes economies through AI, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must evolve to equip youth with future-ready skills. AI is transforming how we live, learn and work — but it also poses serious risks if not implemented equitably.

“On World Youth Skills Day, let us come together to recognise the power of young people as drivers of change and commit to equipping them with AI and digital skills to tackle today’s challenges and shape a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable future.”