Every 15th July, the United Nations General Assembly celebrates World Youth Skills Day to raise awareness about the deliberate necessity of equipping young people with skills for employment, and entrepreneurship. Today, CirCoAX by CircularInnoBooster commemorates this day that has been promoting the dialogue between youth, technical and vocational education, and training (TVET) institutions, businesses, employer and worker organizations, policymakers, and development partners for almost 8 years.
After a long period of uncertainty in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, issues as significant as caring for our planet, digitization and inclusion have come to the fore. The European Union recognizes the impact of that the situation has had on young people and dedicates this 2022 to future generations. At CirCoAX by CircularInnoBooster we support young people and entrepreneurs, recognizing their role in the sustainable transformation of fashion and textiles, and embracing the lifelong learning enshrined in the European Pillar of Social rights.
According to the European Commission, the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear industries are dominated by medium level skills (secondary education) reached by 55% of the workers, followed by 32% of low level (primary education) and 13% of high-level qualifications. In this context, young people working in the sector – as the main drivers of the transformation – need to see the potential of upskilling and reskilling for a more sustainable and competitive industry.
The United Nations states that, young people in poverty, conflict, poorer households, minority, and indigenous groups, with disabilities, women and girls are typically excluded. CirCoAX by CircularInnoBooster pursues social inclusion, integration and the growth of sustainable practices that benefit our ecosystem and elevate our communities. Therefore, we are helping our entrepreneurs acquire the necessary green skills, promoting conscious, ethical, circular, and regenerative practices that can be transferred to young people.
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General, says “the hopes of the world rest in young people.” In the fashion and textile industry, we must involve present and future generations in the green transition as empowered consumers, skilled workers, and humans concerned for our welfare, values, and dignity.
