Digital Natives Do Not Possess Job-Relevant Digital Skills: ITU

Digital Natives Do Not Possess Job-Relevant Digital Skills: ITU

In the coming decade, according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), some 10 million jobs will become available for people with advanced digital skills.

These are the skills necessary to create, manage, test, and analyze information and communication technologies (ICTs).

But ITU observes that many countries are projecting a shortfall of skilled workers to fill these jobs. While young people are often considered “digital natives” because the majority of them are online, most do not possess job-relevant digital skills.

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Governments, social partners, the private sector, academia, civil society, and other key stakeholders should ensure that young people are equipped with the digital skills they need to benefit from employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and build an inclusive digital economy and society.

Digitally savvy young people have higher earning potential and help digital economies flourish.

Equipping young people with digital skills, in particular advanced digital skills, and providing them with entrepreneurship opportunities, will contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: achieving decent work for all and inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

According to ITU, digital skills are increasingly required in workplaces around the world, as ICTs are rapidly transforming jobs across industries, including agriculture, entertainment, financial services, health, and transportation.

Photo: ITU