This International Youth Day, the United Nations is asking organisations around the world to consider the importance of intergenerational solidarity, bringing older and young people together.

We are delighted to have a message from our President and Founder, HRH The Prince of Wales, discussing the importance of coming together to support the ambitions of young people and celebrate their achievements. In a direct address to young people, His Royal Highness says: “It is particularly important that you know your resilience is respected, your determination is admired and that our commitment to you is clear, in order to give you all the chance you deserve”.

To understand young people’s hopes, aspiration and needs, we recently launched a new report, the second in an annual series, titled An Upskill Struggle, which found that almost 1 in 3 young people feel their education does not provide them with the relevant skills for working life. They are calling for education to be made more relevant to the modern workplace, for young people to be given a chance with more entry-level positions, and more support for young entrepreneurs including start up grants.

This International Youth Day, we are drilling down into the report to explore young people’s attitudes in Barbados, Ghana, Nigeria, Jordan, Pakistan and India. It is fantastic to see so many young people excited by the possibility of setting up their own business, alongside their interest in growing sectors, including in the green and digital economy.

As we mark this day and look ahead, we will build on these insights to ensure that our programmes and partnerships continue to reflect the views and needs of young people, helping them to realise their potential.

Best wishes,
Will Straw, CEO