Global Skills Forum Addresses Critical Challenges and Opportunities in Skills Development

Geneva, 30 April - The Global Skills Forum, a premier gathering of representatives of governments, employers and workers organisations, experts in the field of skills development, development partners, and UN and international organisations, convened virtually and in person on 23 – 24 April. 

The forum celebrated the European Year of Skills and exchanged ideas, views, and good practices on skills development in various regions of the world. They addressed the big questions in skills development and shared good practices to tackle the pressing challenges in the world of work to equip the workforce with skills for current and future labour markets. 

© ILO

The first day of the forum underscored the pivotal role of skills development in addressing inequalities and advancing social justice. Participants emphasized the importance of investing in robust skills needs intelligence to minimize mismatches and harness new opportunities in the context of the triple transitions: greening, digitalisation and demographic shifts. The forum highlighted the significance of the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation and the ILOs skills and lifelong learning strategy. The testimonies of two young apprentices invited to the forum – from Switzerland and Tanzania – emphasized the transformative power that apprenticeships can have in a person’s life.

By promoting lifelong learning, diversity, and inclusiveness, countries can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, an ageing population, and technological advancements, paving the way for a greener, more equitable future. 

The second day of the forum explored the imperative of social dialogue to promote skills development and collaboration and partnerships between like-minded organizations, to achieve long-term systemic change. Participants emphasized the need for a fair and just transition for all nations and increased employer investment in digital literacy and learning cultures. The discussions also underscored the importance of integrating skills development into broader policy frameworks for inclusive economic and social development.

In the context of the ongoing artificial intelligence revolution, there's a pressing need to elevate skill development, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives. 

Key Takeaways

Speakers emphasized the need for proactive skills policies and resilience-building measures in response to economic and societal challenges. The forum provided a platform for fruitful dialogue and collaboration aimed at shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for skills development worldwide. 

The Global Skills Forum concluded with a call to action for continued cooperation and innovation in skills development to navigate the evolving demands of the global economy. The creation of the Global Network of Champion Organizations for the promotion of quality apprenticeships was highlighted, underlining the commitment to do more together. 

The forum also highlighted the need to champion a “skills revolution” by investing in more proactive approaches to skills policies, focusing on anticipation, adaptability and inclusion to pave the way towards decent work opportunities through a collective action to transform jobs and societies. This requires belief, commitment and action.

For further information, please contact skills@ilo.org