In 2020, the global workforce lost an equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs, an estimated $3.7 trillion in wages and 4.4% of global GDP, a staggering toll on lives and livelihoods. While vaccine rollout has begun and the growth outlook is predicted to improve, an even socio-economic recovery is far from certain.
The choices made by policymakers, business leaders, workers and learners today will shape societies for years to come. At this critical crossroads, leaders must consciously, proactively and urgently lay the foundations of a new social contract, rebuilding our economies so they provide opportunity for all.
In this context, the Forum remains committed to working with the public- and private sectors to provide better skills, jobs and education to 1 billion people by 2030 through initiatives to close the skills gap and prepare for the ongoing technological transformation of the future of work.
COVID-19
The pandemic has damaged youth employment: Here’s how we can help
The pandemic has had a profound effect on young people’s economic opportunities. Fixing that will call for a blended approach.
Education and Skills
This is how we can equip young people with the skills they’ll need post-pandemic
COVID-19 has decimated education and training for millions of young people around the world. Skilling them for the jobs of the future is the answer, says the UN.
Jobs+Skills
You’re not alone: How parents around the world view the challenges of childcare
Nestlé's Parenting Index measures how 16 countries view the ease of parenting. Sweden tops the list, followed by Chile, Germany, Mexico and the US.
Workforce and Employment
How to create an inclusive hybrid working environment
There is concern among academics, businesses and workers, that hybrid working may be detrimental to inclusivity in the business, by excluding mothers.
Bangladesh
What Bangladesh can teach and learn about closing the education gender gap
Bangladesh is globally recognized for increasing access to educational opportunities for girls, but most women still can't transition into good jobs.
Technological Transformation
How have tech changes affected older workers?
The computer knowledge gap between older and younger workers in the US peaked in the 1980s and early 1990s, but had disappeared by the mid-2010s.
Sustainable Development
Clean energy investment could create 10 million green jobs
A recent EY report found 13,000 projects in the renewable energy sector could help develop 10 million jobs in 50 countries around the world.
Education and Skills
Testing our patience: traditional skills assessment earns a failing grade
Relying on monolithic testing means candidates are not being given an opportunity to have their skills assessed properly and is leading to a vast skills gap.
United States
My struggling hometown inspired me to help small businesses across the US
MainStreet co-founder Doug Ludlow describes his experience living in Modesto and why he started the financing company to improve employment opportunities.
Latin America
COVID-19 cost Latin America and the Caribbean 1.5 million jobs. Here’s how to recover them
Low-skilled workers in Latin America and the Caribbean have been most affected by COVID-19. Two World Bank experts explain how policy can help the recovery.
United States
The extent of the U.S. digital divide in 2 charts
New research has shown the extent of the digital divide in the United States, with lower-income Americans continuing to lag behind in technology adoption.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Reskilling the workforce, one person at a lifetime
The Fourth Industrial Revolution will require new skills and a different mindset. Employees and employers alike will need to embrace lifelong learning.