WSSD2 Brief
Empowering people, strengthening societies: Investing in skills and lifelong learning
This brief highlights the need for integrated, inclusive skills and lifelong learning systems to address global labour market mismatches and prepare for green and digital transitions. It outlines policy priorities to align education, training, and employment strategies for sustainable, equitable growth.
© Pexels/ Mikhail Nilov
Key considerations for WSSD2
- Social dialogue is key to integrated and well-coordinated jobs and skills growth strategies. The establishment of effective skills and lifelong learning strategies is a joint responsibility. Through social dialogue, governments and social partners should aim to align macroeconomic, industrial and trade policies with employment creation objectives and an adapted skills development agenda. Such an integrated approach fosters inclusive and sustainable social development through decent work.
- Setting lifelong learning targets with adequate costing. Establishing specific targets for skills development and lifelong learning, accompanied by clear costing and effective financing mechanisms, supports coordinated planning and implementation in line with national growth strategies. Effective and inclusive skills development and lifelong learning systems require strategic and well-planned actions supported by sufficient and sustained investment.
- Innovative, inclusive and flexible skills policies for demographic realities and talent partnerships. Employment and skills strategies must be tailored to demographic contexts. In countries with a youth bulge, job creation and youth skills training should be accelerated. In ageing societies, upskilling and reskilling of mid-career and older workers should be facilitated through integrated policies that combine active labour market policies and social protection. Cross-border talent partnerships can foster mutually beneficial skills mobility schemes. Digital technology should be harnessed for inclusive skills development.
- Strengthened public employment services (PES). Modernized PES can serve as service hubs that provide comprehensive support, such as career guidance, job matching and training referrals. Integrated service models that combine training with counselling and job placement services yields the best results in supporting youth and vulnerable.
Additional details
References
- DOI: doi.org/10.54394/SEAE9098