World Youth Skills Day 2025: July 15 is observed as World Youth Skills Day, a moment to reflect on how we prepare young people for the evolving demands of work, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. This year's theme - Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills - is a timely reminder of the changing landscape shaped by technology.
Generative AI (GenAI) has become an integral part of our professional and personal lives. To stay relevant, it's no longer optional - it's essential to understand and apply these tools effectively.
Just as proficiency in English and basic math are expected in today's workforce, GenAI skills are fast becoming foundational. Whether you're a designer, data analyst, customer support executive, or freelance writer, knowing how to use AI platforms like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or GitHub Copilot is no longer a bonus - it's a necessity.
"By stopping at basic GenAI skills, we fail to provide proper training to young professionals. We see the full picture every day through our interactions with customers in different industries. GenAI will assist and expedite, not replace, human skill. To thrive in the AI-powered future, young professionals must build a foundation of core, timeless abilities," said Pankaj Jathar, CEO of NIIT Ltd.
Here are five key skills that will define success in the GenAI age:
1. Work Ethic Still Matters
A 2023 McKinsey report, The State of Organisations, identifies resilience and adaptability as critical workplace traits. But at the core of any long-term success lies an age-old value: hard work.
In an AI-accelerated world, consistency, discipline, and accountability still matter. AI may streamline tasks, but it cannot replace effort or ownership. Showing up on time, delivering results, and constantly pushing to improve continue to set professionals apart.
Employers assess work ethic through tangible markers - academic performance, recommendations, and project outcomes - which reflect a candidate's seriousness and dedication.
2. Sales Skills Are Universal
Sales is no longer confined to sales teams. Whether you're explaining your code, pitching a startup, or convincing someone of your idea - you're selling.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 ranks "influencing and persuasion" among the top emerging skills. Mastering these requires not just charisma, but the ability to present value, manage rejection, and navigate negotiations.
Unfortunately, many educational pathways underplay the importance of sales. For young professionals, this skills gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
3. Communication and Soft Skills Are Non-Negotiable
Today's workforce spans generations, geographies, and hybrid models. In such environments, strong communication - both online and in person - is vital.
The British Council's Future of English report reaffirms English as the most sought-after skill worldwide. However, it's not just about grammar - it's about clarity, tone, and context. More importantly, communication includes emotional intelligence, listening, collaboration, and conflict resolution - areas where humans remain irreplaceable.
"Our data shows that teams with effective communicators perform 20-30% better, even when their technical skills are similar," Jathar added.
4. Deep Domain Knowledge Still Wins
GenAI can assist, but it cannot think for you. Your domain expertise - the skill rooted in your degree or qualification - must stand out.
Whether you're in programming, marketing, or manufacturing, understanding the "why" behind your work is critical. GenAI can help you research faster, but it takes human insight to ask strategic questions, make sound decisions, and uphold quality.
According to NASSCOM's 2024 Tech Talent Landscape report, companies are increasingly hiring for "T-shaped profiles" - individuals with both broad digital skills and deep functional knowledge.
No tool can compensate for a shallow understanding of your core subject.
5. Problem-Solving Is the Ultimate Human Skill
Amid all technological change, the one skill that remains uniquely human is problem-solving - the bridge between tools and outcomes.
The World Economic Forum (2023) names analytical thinking and complex problem-solving as the most important skills for the next five years.
AI can offer options, but it takes a human to make the call. For instance, a chatbot can suggest five campaign ideas - but only a human can decide which one fits the brand's voice. Similarly, AI may scan contracts, but only a trained legal mind can spot nuance and risk.
Problem-solving brings together judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking - the very heart of leadership.
Are We Preparing to Lead - or Just to Comply?
India, with one of the world's youngest workforces, has a unique opportunity - and responsibility - to equip its youth not just to survive in an AI-dominated world, but to lead in it.
"Empowering youth with GenAI and digital tools is essential - but it must be anchored in timeless human skills. As educators, skilling providers, and employers, we have a responsibility to blend the latest tech capabilities with the core ingredients of professional success. World Youth Skills Day serves as an excellent opportunity to dedicate ourselves to the long-term success of our youth," Jathar added.
