By 
To commemorate the 2025 United Nations World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) on 15 July, the International Bar Association (IBA) spotlighted the urgent need to empower young legal professionals with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills, aligning with this year’s theme: “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills.”
RELATED: IBA and CAIDP Report: How AI is reshaping the legal industry
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution accelerates, technology is transforming how societies function, and the legal profession is no exception. The IBA is championing strategic support for the next generation of legal minds through training, mentorship, and leadership development.
Digital Skills: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
According to UNESCO, 70% of global youth remain economically disengaged due to a lack of relevant skills, while nearly half of all students feel unprepared for AI-driven work environments. The IBA stresses that digital literacy is now a critical competency for legal professionals seeking to stay relevant in the evolving global economy.
“Young professionals are eager to make a difference,” said IBA President Jaime Carey.
“Law provides a powerful platform to address pro bono initiatives, digital transformation, and social justice. As robotic automation increases, young lawyers must lead in shaping equitable legal frameworks.”
IBA’s Initiatives to Empower Young Legal Talent
The IBA is actively supporting young lawyers through a variety of learning opportunities and global initiatives:
- AI-Focused Internships & Mentorships
- Digital Skills Training and Courses
- Legal Technology Research Resources
- The IBA ICC Moot Court Competition (Held in The Hague)
The IBA Young Lawyers’ Committee (YLC) also plays a pivotal role by offering awards, global representation, and leadership pathways for early-career lawyers around the world.
“Empowering young lawyers with digital skills is essential for building a more just and inclusive future,” said Bruno Maggi, Co-Chair of the IBA YLC.
“Mentorship and access to meaningful opportunities help young legal professionals become purpose-driven leaders,” added Zeina Obeid, Co-Chair of the YLC.
Upcoming Event: Young Lawyers and Leadership Webinar
As part of its World Youth Skills Day campaign, the IBA YLC will host a free online webinar on 23 July 2025 titled “Young Lawyers and Leadership.” The session will explore:
- How senior lawyers can support emerging professionals
- The importance of leadership in a fast-paced, AI-driven legal landscape
- Strategies for navigating complex global legal challenges
Digital Empowerment Meets Justice
The 2024 IBA Impact Report further reinforces the association’s dedication to supporting young professionals through:
- Pro bono advocacy
- Access to justice programs
- Ethical legal leadership in the AI era
The IBA maintains that empowering youth in the legal profession not only ensures industry sustainability but also strengthens democratic institutions and global rule of law.
A Call to Action for the Legal Community
The IBA’s message this World Youth Skills Day is clear: the legal profession must evolve in tandem with technology. By investing in AI and digital education, the global legal community can unlock the full potential of its youngest members—turning today’s students into tomorrow’s change-makers.
