Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: With Odisha witnessing a large working-age population, experts and development practitioners have called for greater investment in youth skills, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership to make young people key drivers of social development.

Speaking at an International Youth Day programme organised by the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), CYSD Mentor and Co-founder Jagadananda said the youth have a limited window of opportunity and must be supported to make the most of it.

“We must take advantage of this time by providing the youth with opportunities in skills, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership,” he said.

UFPA State Head, Odisha, Sunil Thomas Jacob, joined the event as a distinguished guest and spoke on the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” He highlighted several challenges faced by young people, including gender inequality, child marriage and migration.

Despite these challenges, he said, young people continue to demonstrate a strong determination to build a better future. He emphasised that their aspirations and willingness to work towards their goals should not be held back by social or economic barriers.

Jacob also drew attention to Odisha’s changing demographic profile. With the state’s birth rate declining, the proportion of senior citizens is expected to increase in the coming years, while the relative share of young people may decline. Against this backdrop, he stressed the importance of equipping the present generation with skills and employment opportunities.

He also spoke about parental pressure regarding career choices, stressing that children should be encouraged to pursue their interests and make informed decisions about their future.

Youth leadership takes centre stage

Keynote speaker Anita Ratnam highlighted the aspirations and concerns of young people in contemporary society. She spoke about the challenges of working with youth while also highlighting the growing role of young people in taking leadership, launching initiatives and creating new pathways for social change.

CYSD has been working since 1982 in areas including youth volunteerism, skill development, livelihoods, entrepreneurship, leadership and citizen participation. The organisation has reportedly reached more than three lakh young men and women through its initiatives.

Marking the 2026 International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, CYSD Co-founder Prafulla Sahu said the organisation remains committed to strengthening youth leadership and volunteerism and giving them a new direction.

Focus on skills, innovation and climate action

The International Youth Day programme featured discussions on tribal youth leadership, innovation, leadership development, climate change, digital awareness, skills and entrepreneurship, and university engagement.

More than 70 youth and NSS volunteers from different parts of Odisha participated in the event.

Dr Bhagaban Prakash delivered the blessings at the programme, which also provided a platform for young volunteers to share their experiences and ideas.

Youth voices from across Odisha

Young participants from different districts stressed the need for stronger collaboration and grassroots participation.

Sagar Tudu from Rayagada called for greater cooperation among partner organisations, universities and youth groups to support the holistic development of Odisha’s young population

Kumudini Pathuria from Mayurbhanj said awareness among young people could transform villages into model communities. According to her, when young people become aware of local problems, they can help communities understand and address those challenges.

Sulekha Senapati of Thakurmunda emphasised collective action among tribal youth. She said that if more young people from tribal communities join hands, they can reach underserved and unreached communities much faster.

The discussions underscored a common message: Odisha’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of development but can become its strongest charioteers through skills, leadership, innovation, employment and volunteerism.