Brussels/Islamabad, (Unib Rashid) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping Pakistan’s youth with internationally competitive skills, describing young people as the country’s greatest asset and the driving force behind sustainable economic growth.

In his message on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, the Prime Minister said Pakistan joined the international community in celebrating the talent, determination and immense potential of its youth, while emphasizing that quality education, character building and modern skills are essential for building a prosperous future.

He noted that rapid advancements in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the evolving global economy are transforming labour markets worldwide, making technical and vocational education more important than ever.

“The acquisition of internationally competitive skills has become the foundation of sustainable progress,” the Prime Minister said, adding that technical and vocational education, equal access to opportunities, higher productivity and entrepreneurial innovation are key drivers of economic prosperity and global competitiveness.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) had been transformed into a modern, dynamic and future-oriented institution capable of providing internationally benchmarked training, globally recognized certifications and industry-aligned skills.

He said the government had allocated a substantial budget to NAVTTC during the current fiscal year to strengthen technical skills development, reflecting its commitment to investing in Pakistan’s human capital. He added that skills development had been established as a fundamental pillar of the country’s economic growth strategy.

The Prime Minister said the government’s vision extends beyond creating employment opportunities and focuses on developing skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and a highly competent workforce capable of generating jobs, increasing exports, enhancing productivity and contributing to long-term sustainable economic development.

He also highlighted efforts to expand collaboration with industry stakeholders and international institutions to ensure that Pakistan’s workforce meets global standards and remains competitive in international markets.

Emphasizing equal opportunities, the Prime Minister said the government remained committed to enabling both men and women to realize their full potential without discrimination.

Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s future, he said coordinated efforts by federal and provincial governments, effective training institutions and strong cooperation with the private sector would enable Pakistan’s skilled workforce to emerge as a global symbol of competence, innovation and excellence.

Concluding his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the nation to renew its collective commitment to creating a future in which the talents and abilities of Pakistan’s people are fully developed and transformed into lasting national prosperity.