New York: UN chief António Guterres warns the world urging schools are “not equipping young people with the skills they need to navigate the technological revolution”, in a message released to mark the UN’s International Youth Day.

The theme of this special day is 'Transforming Education' for this year, which comes at a time when the world is facing a “learning crisis”, says  Guterres, and students need not only to learn, “but to learn how to learn”.

The UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA),  and UN Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), mentions the statistics that significant transformations are still required to make education systems more inclusive and accessible: only 10% of people have completed upper secondary education in low-income countries; 40 % of the global population is not taught in a language they speak or fully understand, and over 75 % of secondary school-age refugees are out of school.

Ensuring access to inclusive and equitable education, and promoting lifelong learning, is one of the goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Guterres believes that the role of young people as champions of inclusive and accessible education can be very pertinent, highlighting youth-led organizations, are helping to transform education, through lobbying, advocacy, and partnerships with educational institutions.

“Education today should combine knowledge, life skills and critical thinking”, said Mr. Guterres. It should include information on sustainability and climate change. And it should advance gender equality, human rights and a culture of peace”.

The United Nations' International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 every year.  On this day, youth's effort for the enhancement of the global society is recognized. It also aims to promote and engage the youth for becoming more actively involved to make positive contributions to their communities from all around the world.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 12 August as International Youth Day. The first International Youth Day was observed on 12th August 2000 after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution accepting the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon in 1998.

This annual celebration encourages young people to assign a role in promoting human rights and development. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s youth.