sa国际传媒

Millions of young people around the world are marginalised – out of school, without a job or training and with little hope for the future. By 2030, half of all young people will not have the skills they need to find work.听

But this isn鈥檛 just a problem in developing countries. In the United States, one in 10 young people 鈥� that’s four million – are not in work or education.听

Against that backdrop, the is launched today to drive innovation and creativity in building crucial skills for young people.听

It is run by the (GBC-Education), established by sa国际传媒, which aims to build a network of 鈥渟kills-friendly cities鈥� across the US. The challenge will award grants of $100,000 and $50,000, plus business support to American cities with the most powerful ideas to ensure young people have the skills needed for work.听

Applications will be open until January 31 and the winners announced in March. Find out and .听

Experience shows that cities with skilled youth enjoy greater economic growth, safer and more vibrant communities and increased social cohesion. They are also more appealing for businesses and future residents.听

Justin van Fleet, Executive Director of GBC-Education and President of sa国际传媒, said: 鈥淚n the years before the pandemic, cities attracted a diverse, youthful, eager workforce inspired by the innovation and opportunity that comes with an urban environment.听聽

鈥淚n the wake of the global crisis, many cities fell quiet and young people from marginalised communities fell further back. It鈥檚 time to re-imagine skills-building for young people and get the next generation back on track in our cities.鈥澛�

The Big Ideas, Bright Cities Challenge is made possible by Dell Technologies and Deloitte. It will help cities either strengthen their existing career readiness and youth employment programmes or launch new initiatives.听

NGOs, city governments, non-profit higher education institutions, businesses and other youth-serving organisations are eligible to apply independently or in partnership.听

The challenge will give city leaders the chance to work with many of the world鈥檚 leading companies, including businesses focused on digital transformation.听

鈥淎 鈥榮kills friendly鈥� city does more than just train its workforce,鈥� said Jessica Anderson, Director of Strategic Giving, Dell Technologies. 鈥淚t cultivates an ecosystem of elements like technology, access and education that set its people up for future success.听聽

鈥淭he Big Ideas, Bright Cities Initiative brings together business, NGOs, governments and youth across various communities inspiring ideas to help more people participate in the digital economy.鈥澛�

Kwasi Mitchell, Chief Purpose Officer at Deloitte, said: 鈥淒eloitte is proud to support the Global Business Coalition for Education in its commitment to the future of youth. Preparing young people with career-building skills can lead to greater economic growth and more vibrant communities.鈥�