THE YOUTH INITIATIVE

The Youth Initiative is a programme designed to inspire and motivate the youth and raise their awareness of the importance of manufacturing globally, presenting them with career opportunities in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). As global youth unemployment approaches 71 million, and many blame the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its emerging automation technologies for such unemployment, we must accept that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is causing uncertainty across the global manufacturing sector as young people fear that their jobs will be replaced by machines if they choose a career in manufacturing. The 4th Industrial Revolution, however, is also changing the way we work and creating a demand for new jobs. These jobs will mean there is an important need for people and organisations to adapt to new job requirements and master new job skills. As such, it is important for the youth to come together with manufacturers and academia to prepare for this new transition in employment and create a future of work that is prosperous for all.

#GMIS2017 OUTCOMES

The inaugural Summit, organized in close collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), took place in Abu Dhabi from 27 – 30 March 2017. #GMIS2017 set out to identify practical steps towards progress and to draw up a roadmap for development, driven by the collective action of governments, the private sector and civil society. It focused on the role of manufacturing in reconstructing the global economy and restoring global prosperity by debating six themes, namely: technology and innovation; global value chains; skills, employment and education; sustainability and the environment; infrastructure; standards and stakeholder alignment. Harnessing the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is crucial for all countries to create employment, reskill and train the workforce, increase incomes and, of utmost importance, reduce both poverty and inequality. Managed effectively, 4IR can promote the achievement of sustainable development across all its dimensions – economic, environmental and social. Indeed, it already supports equal opportunities for men and women and is premised against all forms of discrimination. The role of the private sector must focus not only on technological advancement and investments, but also on its key partner role, which is essential to achieving future global development in order to effectively and proactively resolve challenges emerging from 4IR.