Education is essential for young people to become contributing adults who are able to thrive in a work environment, said the Vatican's representative to the United Nations.

"Decent work, social protection and education for our youth" were a few of the major themes that Archbishop Francis Chullikatt addressed at a UN General Assembly session on sustainable development goals June 18.

He explained that when it comes to educating young people, the family plays a crucial role.

The right to an education also should also be a priority of governments, world leaders, and international communities and "at the very centre" of all sustainable development efforts, he said.