Bangladesh Observes World Youth Skills Day with Emphasis on AI Empowerment
On Tuesday, July 15, Bangladesh observed World Youth Skills Day in line with global celebrations, under the theme set by UNESCO-UNEVOC: “Empowering Youth through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills.” The event was organized by the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) at the Investment Development Authority Building in Dhaka, featuring a colorful rally and a discussion seminar.
During the celebration, the ‘Live Job Opportunity’ platform was launched on the National Skills Portal. Additionally, awards were presented to 11 winners across 9 categories from the final round of the National Skills Competition 2025.
Dr. Md. Mosaddeque Khan, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper on the event’s theme. Panel discussants included Dr. Md. Zahurul Haque from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at BUET and Dr. Md. Obaydul Rahman from the Department of CSE at DUET.
Chief Guest M. Siraj Uddin Mia, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, stated, “Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Adviser, the government is working relentlessly to build an inclusive and equitable future for Bangladesh. Beyond enhancing youth skills, the government is also creating employment opportunities and nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth.”
“Our nation's future lies in the hands of its young people. With such a significant proportion of our population being youth—something rarely seen in other nations—this is a golden opportunity to move the country forward,” he added.
Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence, Siraj Uddin Mia further said, “AI has brought about a new world, along with new challenges. To overcome these, our youth must enhance their capabilities. Nations with a skilled youth population have always led the way. If academia, industries, and NSDA collaborate to find technological solutions and chart the future path with our youth, we will succeed.”
Speaking as Special Guest, Youth and Sports Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam remarked that NSDA was established to support a coordinated national skills ecosystem by aligning various stakeholders. Citing the popular Triple Helix Model (government, academia, and industry), he said, “We must leverage our whole-of-government approach to empower youth in building the Bangladesh of tomorrow.”
In her presidential address, Rehana Parveen, Executive Chairperson of NSDA, emphasized, “AI and digital technology are profoundly impacting how we live, learn, and work. The challenge is preparing everyone equally to cope with these changes.”
She noted that according to UNESCO-UNEVOC, by 2030, 86% of global businesses will use AI and digital tools, yet 48% of students worldwide remain unprepared for AI-related jobs, and 90% of adolescents in low-income countries still lack internet access.
“If we fail to adequately prepare, the vision of ensuring equal opportunities for all will be at risk,” she warned.
She called for aligning general, technical, and vocational education with technological advancements, stating, “NSDA remains committed to continuous innovation and reform in skill development to match the pace of change. We aim to make all forms of skill acquisition—especially in technology—accessible and equitable.”
She also confirmed that the winners of the National Skills Competition will represent Bangladesh at the 2026 WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, with full preparatory support from NSDA.
World Youth Skills Day was first declared by the UN General Assembly in 2014 to address youth unemployment and promote skill development for a better socio-economic future. It is now celebrated annually on July 15 around the globe.
The event was attended by NSDA members including Joint Secretaries Md. Abdus Samad and Mina Masud Uz Zaman, along with representatives from Industry Skills Councils, public and private sector organizations, and senior NSDA officials.
