From December 5-7, Kehsia had the privilege of participating in the Youth@Work European Year of Skills Closing Forum in Antalya, Turkey. This remarkable event brought together young leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across Europe and neighboring countries to explore innovative solutions to youth employment challenges in the context of digital transformation. Kehsia’s involvement in this forum was not only a professional milestone but also a testament to its mission of empowering youth and fostering equal opportunities for all.
Why This Forum Was Important
Youth employment lies at the heart of Kehsia’s mission to support young people and promote social and cultural development. Young individuals worldwide face immense challenges in accessing meaningful work, particularly in a rapidly evolving job market shaped by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and emerging economic models. The forum provided an invaluable platform to tackle these challenges head-on, with experts and youth representatives sharing insights and strategies.
The forum aimed to:
- Assess the current state of youth employment, highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Showcase cutting-edge research and practices related to youth employability and digitalization.
- Discuss public policies and initiatives aimed at fostering youth inclusion in the workforce.
- Examine the implications of AI and digitalization on future job prospects for young people.
Kehsia’s focus on digital transformation and empowering youth through innovative strategies resonated strongly with the event’s themes.
Arrival in Antalya
The picturesque coastal town of Belek, Antalya, set the stage for an inspiring gathering. The opening speeches by the President of the Turkish National Agency and the Turkish Minister of Labor underscored the importance of investing in youth as the architects of tomorrow’s economy. A dynamic panel discussion, “Youth Employability: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” followed, offering a broad perspective on the evolution of youth employment and the opportunities posed by digitalization.
Kehsia found the discussions to be a powerful reminder of the shared challenges faced by young people globally and the critical role of collaborative efforts in overcoming them.
Workshops That Left a Mark
The second day of the forum was brimming with workshops designed to inspire and educate. Kehsia participated in two sessions that aligned closely with its mission:
- “Working with Passion in a Changing World” by Professor Efe Efeoglu:
This workshop emphasized the importance of self-awareness in building a career. Participants explored their passions, identified strengths, and aligned their career goals with personal values. Kehsia found this session particularly empowering, as it reinforced the idea that success is about finding work that resonates with one’s core values.
- “Preventing Youth Unemployment” by Elina Peränen (INTO, Finland):
This session showcased Finland’s holistic approach to addressing youth unemployment through outreach programs and practical workshops. Kehsia was especially inspired by the use of social empowerment indicators to assess the impact of these initiatives. The workshop highlighted the transformative power of collaboration among governments, NGOs, and communities—an approach that aligns seamlessly with Kehsia’s work.
Key Takeaways and Reflections
The forum provided Kehsia with valuable insights to further its mission of empowering youth. Key takeaways included:
- The importance of digital literacy as an essential skill in today’s job market.
- Self-awareness as a critical tool for career building.
- The power of partnerships in creating sustainable employment opportunities.
- The dual nature of AI and digitalization as both challenges and opportunities for youth employment.
Building Connections
One of the most enriching aspects of the forum for Kehsia was the opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals from around the world. The exchange of stories, challenges, and aspirations reaffirmed the universal need for initiatives that empower young people to thrive in the workforce, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
These connections underscored the importance of creating collaborative spaces where ideas can be shared and partnerships forged—something Kehsia actively champions.
Conclusion
Participating in the Youth@Work European Year of Skills Closing Forum was an incredibly rewarding experience for Kehsia. The forum’s emphasis on empowering youth through digital literacy, innovative strategies, and collaborative policies aligns perfectly with Kehsia’s mission to promote cultural and civil growth, particularly for women and young people.
Kehsia returned from the event with renewed determination to implement the lessons learned and to continue fostering equal opportunities for all. The forum illuminated both the broader challenges of youth employment and the practical steps needed to address them.
Moving forward, Kehsia is committed to translating these insights into action, ensuring a future where young people everywhere are empowered to succeed.