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.
Why women in Rwanda are learning to fish
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization is providing training for women in Rwanda to learn how to fish. It can be an important source of income for locals, as well as a vital food source.
How did reading and writing evolve? Neuroscience gives us some clues
Scientists are turning to neuroscience to understand how and why early humans first made rock engravings.
Here’s how we can encourage more women into the STEM fields
Despite the majority of university graduates now being women, they are underrepresented in the STEM subjects. Now female leaders from around the world are coming together to discuss oppor...
Why being yourself at work can make you healthier and more productive
Results from a recent study show that individuals who express their 'non-visible stigmas' at work tend to be happier.
Why 'perpetual learning' will help you thrive in the changing world of work
The concept of skilling, reskilling and lifelong learning is not new, but the pace of disruption is now faster than ever, and educational and career pathways are less defined.
This is the story of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard – an extraordinary painter, forgotten by history
Adélaïde Labille-Guiard was one of France's most sought-after painters when the revolution changed the political landscape of her country forever.
Emergency caesareans increase risk of postnatal depression in new mothers, our research suggests
The effects of postnatal depression can be long-lasting, affecting a mother's relationship with their partner, child and also ability to work.
Women have just three-quarters of the economic rights of men – World Bank
The recent study found that 56 countries have not made any improvements to equality laws in the past 10 years.
Gender equality in STEM is possible. These countries prove it
While women make up the majority of science graduates worldwide, science jobs are generally dominated by men. Except for in a handful of countries.
UK launches global fund to help end 'period poverty' by 2050
The UK government has pledged £2 million to charities aiming to end period poverty, as well as £250,000 to create a taskforce to tackle the issue.
The association between job-finding expectations and success
The 20% of unemployed Americans who have been without work for over 27 weeks have the lowest chances of finding work.
Meet Tarpé Mills, groundbreaking artist behind the comic world's first female superhero
Tarpe Mills' creation, Miss Fury, beat Wonder Woman to be the world's first major female superhero in print.