August 12 was declared International Youth Day at the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. It was hosted in August 1998 by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations. International Youth Day 2022 endorses the United Nations Youth Fund, focusing on fund-raising and increasing awareness of barriers that impact the young.

The UN defines people between the ages of 15 and 24 as Youth, which accounts for 16% of the world population. Amid the many global challenges our world faces, it is critical to support these individuals, a growing population that leads the future of our planet.

Failing to invest in Youth triggers substantial economic, social, and political costs. Negative behavior can impact society at the expense of billions of dollars.

Here are three ways your company can provide hope and support to this generation.

HIRE

Young employees bring fresh perspectives and ideas to any business. In addition, their eagerness to learn and build experience strengthens the motivational culture, assisting in team building and overall productivity.

At OBCIDO, a third of our staff fall in the Youth category. They deliver tremendous support in building marketing strategies targeting millennials, a demographic many of our clients seek. In addition, they best understand how to reach and communicate with their peers.

As a tech company, we acknowledge the added value in hiring Youth brought up with technology, making them more adaptable and quick learners to new software and innovations fundamental to the services we offer.

INVEST

There is a wide range of options for companies to invest in the Youth within their workforce, most notably in education. Subsequently, businesses benefit from staff self-development and enhanced skills with teams empowered with knowledge.

It allows companies to deal more efficiently with problems and market trends while benefiting from further productivity. Deloitte Millennial Survey found that only 24% of millennials are "very satisfied" with the professional development opportunities in their working life.

OBCIDO has dedicated a recurrent monthly share of revenue invested in online courses for our team members.

It was pivotal when we launched the Web3.0 department and enrolled our CEO, Omar Kandil, and other team members in appropriate classes. It was essential to provide broader skills to ride the Metaverse, NFTs, and Blockchain wave. As a result, we realized global market shifts in communication strategies and marketing initiatives. OBCIDO greatly benefited by establishing a specialized department and extending services in emerging fields.

SUPPORT

Youth-led businesses conducted with passion and dedication will excel in the long run. However, they often face challenges due to a lack of resources and experience in entrepreneurship and the labor market, which impacts the ability to apply for funding in grants, investments, or other commerce options.

Financial support can be pro-bono or special discounted pricing for services that youth-led businesses require for early-stage operations. When a company supports youth ventures, it invests in long-term sustainable cooperation and becomes a trusted partner.

At OBCIDO, we offer reduced pricing for young clients eager to start a project or business and extend our services to mentorship and guidance while leveraging resources.

Coaching and mentoring are other forms of support that youth-led companies need. Mark Zuckerberg shared how his mentor Steve Jobs was a source of inspiration. Bill Gates acknowledges Warren Buffet, an American business magnate, for his precious advice.

Some of today's largest platforms were created by teenagers. Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was seventeen. Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Michael Dell, founder of Dell Inc., and Pete Cashmore, founder of Mashable, started their businesses at nineteen.

The objective of this year's International Youth Day is to amplify the message that action is needed so no one is left behind. Companies need to Hire, Invest, and Support today's Youth. They are the leaders of tomorrow, pioneers in the planet's future, and sustainable investments for the next generation.