'Green skills vital' for green transition

August 12, 2023 | 08:00

(0) user say

Organised by the United Nations in Vietnam on August 11, this year’s International Youth Day focussed on the role of education and highlighted the importance of teaching green skills to young people, so they can move towards a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future for Vietnam.

The International Youth Day event showcased insights from young experts engaged in areas relating to international organisations and government, with the aim of sharing information and ideas concerning green skills among Vietnamese youth.

the Green United Nations House in Ha Noi welcomed over 50 young changemakers to commemorate International Youth Day on August 12.

Two roundtable sessions were held with activities conducted both online and offline, where young experts and relevant stakeholders were able to engage in meaningful dialogues on the practical implementation of green-skills education.

“Currently, the demand for green skills is outpacing its availability. By 2030, 60 per cent of young people may lack the necessary skills to thrive in a green economy. We must address this disparity and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or gender, has equal access to these skills,” UN resident coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis said.

“As Vietnam steers its national efforts towards a just energy transition and a net-zero future, it is crucial to undertake substantial labour force transformations that fuel a green and low carbon economy,” said UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi.

'Green skills vital' for green transition

“Vietnamese youth need to be well-prepared and armed with green knowledge, skills, and competencies to be part of these workforces. Embracing new opportunities to cultivate green jobs and future-oriented skills is more than an investment in their potential, it is a commitment to a sustainable world. UNDP stands ready to empower the youth in shaping their path towards a future of green job opportunities," Khalidi added.

Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, Miss Intercontinental, and first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2022, a youth guest speaker at the event, said,“Green skills open up new opportunities for young people to contribute to a more sustainable society. I'm excited to see what young Vietnamese people can achieve by applying these skills.”

While the world reels from the effects of climate change, the importance of a green transition has never been more apparent. This will bring about new economic opportunities for youth.

By 2030, the green transition will create 8.4 million jobs for young people. In order to shape their future and contribute to the green economy, young people need to be equipped with green skills - the practical tools and knowledge that allow them to utilise the power of eco-friendly technologies and to make environmentally conscious decisions in both their professional and personal lives.