LKDF - Learning and Knowledge Development Facility

15/07/2026

This year's World Youth Skills Day is "skills for a shared future."

UNIDO's Promoting Youth Employment through Automotive Maintenance Skills Training in Sierra Leone project is building these skills, helping strengthen the country's automotive training ecosystem and empowering youth with training delivery and employment support.

Learn more about the project here: https://lkdfacility.org/projects/automotive-skills-sierra-leone

As we celebrate and the importance of youth skills and lifelong learning, here's one example of how these principles are being put into action.

In Sierra Leone, , together with the Government of Sierra Leone and with the support of the Government of Japan, is helping young people gain industry-relevant automotive and entrepreneurship through a Centre of Excellence at Freetown Polytechnic.

By connecting training with industry needs, the programme is creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and a more inclusive future.

Explore more here: 🔗 https://lkdfacility.my.canva.site/sierra-leone

LKDF - Learning and Knowledge Development Facility

14/07/2026

Across Liberia, primary school classrooms are being transformed through hands-on STEM learning.

Under the project, funded by the European Union with additional support from the Government of Sweden, and implemented by UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization in partnership with the Practical Education Network (PEN), teachers are adopting learner-centred approaches that bring science and mathematics to life using simple, locally available materials.

Now, students are exploring concepts through play, experimentation and problem-solving—building confidence, curiosity and a stronger foundation for future learning.

By investing in teachers, Youth Rising is helping inspire the next generation of learners, strengthening the pipeline to TVET and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

Read the full story: https://lkdfacility.org/news/from-chalkboard-to-creativity-how-hands-on-stem-teaching-is-transforming-learning-for-young-students-in-liberia

Sida

07/07/2026

A major milestone for skills development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo!

Thirty-six young people have started the country's first nationally structured training programme in heavy equipment maintenance at the Institut National de Préparation Professionnelle (INPP) in Haut-Katanga.

Through the project, implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and funded by Sweden, participants will complete a six-month programme designed to prepare them for careers in the mining, transport and construction sectors.

By investing in people and partnerships, PAFEQ is helping create new opportunities for young people while supporting the country's industrial development.

Read more here: https://lkdfacility.org/news/heavy-equipment-maintenance-36-technicians-begin-training-at-inpp-haut-katanga-a-structural-breakthrough-for-skills-development

Learn more about PAFEQ: https://lkdfacility.org/projects/heavy-equipment-skills-dr-congo

16/06/2026

21/04/2026

Behind every gender empowerment statistic is a real woman's story.

Across UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization's PPDP projects, women are stepping into industries where they have long been underrepresented—not just as participants, but as leaders, trainers and role models.

Today, on the International Day of Women in Industry, we celebrate the voices of women who are breaking barriers and reshaping the future of industry. These testimonials reflect a shift in what’s possible when barriers are removed and opportunities are created.



Zamita Zambia

Kitwe Vocational Training Centre
Youth Rising Liberia

01/04/2026

Zambia, Japan, Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia Co., Limited (HCMZ), and UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization have jointly launched a modern Heavy Equipment Operator Training Workshop at Kitwe Vocational Training Centre—a major milestone for demand-driven skills development and youth employment.

The new facility expands training capacity, introduces advanced simulation equipment, and strengthens pathways to jobs in mining, construction, and infrastructure.

This partnership marks another step toward building a skilled, future-ready workforce in Zambia.

Read the full press release: https://lkdfacility.org/news/zambia-japan-hitachi-construction-machinery-and-unido-launch-modern-facility-to-boost-training-on-demand-driven-skills-and-youth-employment-opportunities
Learn more about the project: https://lkdfacility.org/projects/kvtc-heo-zambia

25/02/2026

Inspired as a young girl in Kinshasa, Médi Rachidi chose a path few women pursued at the time: electromechanics.

For over a decade, she has trained young professionals, proving that technical excellence is defined by precision and skill—not gender.

Through UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization's project, Médi strengthened her expertise in heavy equipment maintenance and continues to mentor the next generation of technicians.

Her journey is a powerful reminder: investing in skills means investing in systems, opportunity, and lasting change.

Read Médi's story: https://www.unido.org/stories/breaking-glass-ceilings-and-tech-stereotypes
Learn more about the PAFEQ project: https://lkdfacility.org/projects/heavy-equipment-skills-dr-congo

11/02/2026

How can demand‑driven skills accelerate youth empowerment and industrial transformation?

Join us on 3 March 2026 (14:00–17:00 CET) for a high‑level event exploring how demand-driven skills development can accelerate youth empowerment, industrial transformation, and economic competitiveness.

🗓 3 March 2026 | 14:00–17:00 CET
Register now to join online: 204d1252-8fca-4a26-86bc-97122e2b9f57@426a4931-ec5c-4fcb-9d10-3363ebdf9280" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/204d1252-8fca-4a26-86bc-97122e2b9f57@426a4931-ec5c-4fcb-9d10-3363ebdf9280

Building on the UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization- Joint Declaration, this event brings together skills experts across international organizations, industry, government, and youth representatives.

Through engaging panels, skills talks, and fireside chats, speakers will:

· Highlight how demand‑driven skills empower young people and fuel competitiveness, innovation, and inclusive industrial growth

· Share practical insights, data-driven tools, and effective approaches from UNIDO and partner organizations to support demand-driven skills assessments and measure youth readiness

· Explore strategies to better align training with industry needs and engage the private sector in skills development initiatives that drive transformation

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of skills – and the future of industry!

26/01/2026

The LKDF works with partners to turn global frameworks into practical learning solutions: from capacity development and skills ecosystems to knowledge sharing that supports inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

We’re proud to align with UNIDO’s Framework and to contribute to building learning pathways that enable women and youth to participate meaningfully in industrial transformation and decent work.