The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the importance of skills and lifelong learning not only to make individuals competitive in the labour market but also to empower people. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 reminds us that inclusive, quality education is critical for human development. SDG 8 reminds us that decent work and economic growth can only be achieved through productive capacities. The relationship between skills and employability is fundamental to the success of the SDGs — from eradicating poverty to achieving gender equality to empowering women and girls.
Bridging the skills mismatch for greater employability will be a huge leap forward in achieving the SDGs. This publication guarantees to guide all stakeholders in the direction of improving the existing skills and reducing the skills mismatch for greater employability of the target groups. The Guidelines and Toolkit will complement existing UNDP work on sustainable employment and inclusive growth and augments the related efforts of other international organizations.