Dr. N. Munal Meitei,
Environmentalist, presently working as DFO/Chandel,
email: nmunall@yahoo.in
July 15 is World Youth Skills Day. Our planet is our home, the place that sustains us. But are we really living with nature in harmony? This is the famish question that our skilled youths are to answer because the future is yours.
The theme for this year is, “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills”. This emphasizes the strategic importance of equipping youths with the AI to skill for employment, entrepreneurship, their role in peace and sustainable environment at local and global level. Our environment’s persisting problems are too much and need for immediate future planning. That could be through AI.
Over the years, youth have been at the forefront of global challenges like conflicts, societal problems, polarization, economic inequality and the environment. It also highlights the need for integrating AI into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies.
The skilled youths are cascading to address the current and future global challenges. Thus, Skill India, launched in 2014, is an initiative to empower the youth and make them more employable and more productive in their work for society. But in the world skill index, India has 4.69% only, whereas Japan with 80% and South Korea with 96% of the total workforce.
India’s employable skilled youth is 51.3% and total unemployed youth is 65.7% as of March, 2025. Nearly 65% persons in Manipur are reported as self-employed in rural areas, compared to the all-Indian rate of 59%. The unemployment rate among Manipur’s youth aged between 15 and 29 years is 19.7% as in 2022-23.
Conservation of nature is highly important for the development of social and economic life. The planet also asks to find for a new solution to maintain the ecological balance. The negative impacts that need for immediate rectification are seen in all the environmental aspects. This is impossible without the young skills and latest technologies like AI to maintain a quality environment and human health.
Environmental education among youths is the key to skill and understanding the interrelations of man, culture and the biophysical environment. Mankind cannot give up the economic growth; it will, however, it’s necessary to preserve the environment while moving forward at a fast pace. People have begun to understand the need both individually and collectively to protect environment by collaboration at local, national and international level.
In an era marked by environmental challenges, the role of youth activism has become increasingly pivotal in driving a meaningful environmental conservation, shaping policies, fostering awareness and inspiring collective action.
Youth activists have the efficacy in raising awareness about climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable practices. The era of AI, youth leverage innovation through developing sustainable technologies, promoting eco-friendly apps, or utilizing social media for advocacy, they are the driving force through the intersection of innovation and environmental conservation.
Environmental conservation is not confined to international agreements; it starts at the local level, like tree-plantation, waste reduction programs and advocating for renewable energy solutions from local to the global environment. Youth activists often face challenges such as skepticism, limited resources and systemic barriers. However, their resilience and determination in the face of adversity are driving forces for change.
Youth have a unique perspective that can change communities, from conserving resources to advocating for policies to protect the planet for a sustainable future. As we all know the present impact of human activity on the environment and thus, the youths have a bigger role to play to face the challeges. Another way youth can promote environmental sustainability is by conserving resources like using less electricity, electronics, water and other natural resources as they’re the maximum users.
Youth unemployment is increasing, which is the most significant problem facing in today’s economies and societies both for the developed and developing countries alike. Youths are also victims of the environmental and climate crises.
AI is transforming the world now. The power of youth, equipping with AI & digital skill is the hope to shape for a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable future. To fully unlock youth’s potential, AI is to address the challenges of the triple planetary crisis; biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution, they must be granted access to adequate education, skills and opportunities.
The role of youth skills in environmental conservation is multifaceted and indispensable. They are catalysts for a positive change. When we look toward the future, it is evident that empowering youths with modern AI and skills is the key to ensure for a sustainable and resilient planet. Let’s support and stand with youth in shaping for a sustainable environment and people.
