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.
Robots and lack of childcare leave women's wages centuries behind
Advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, plus a persistent lack of available childcare, mean far fewer women are working now than men.
Why is there a leaky pipeline for women in academic economics
The advance of women in economics has stalled in recent years. This column assesses the barriers that female economists face in publishing, promotion, and tenure.
Globalization 4.0: Have your say
We've come up with six key questions to help us understand the new era of globalization. We want you to answer them. In 60-second video selfie format. Here's how.
Nobel laureate Murad to build hospital in her hometown in Iraq
Murad was awarded the $1m prize alongside Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.
The 10 best countries to be a woman
As Iceland enjoys a decade of being the best country for gender equality, there’s a new nation in the top 10 for the first time.
These 4 Nordic countries hold the secret to gender equality
These nations share a belief in family-friendly policies that encourage women into work and challenge the gender pay gap.
These innovative designs were created by students to make the world a safer place
MIT’s iconic product design class, known by its course number 2.009, showcased their creativity in this year's theme - danger.
How knowing just one gay person can shift our attitude towards equality
In 2006, about 45% of the people who had a gay or lesbian acquaintance expressed support for same-sex marriage. By 2010, that figure had increased to 61%.
Having a daughter makes men less sexist, research confirms
The phenomenon, known as the "Mighty Girl Effect," can cause men to hold less traditional views on gender roles and norms, and could help tackle issues such as the gender pay gap.
Here are 3 alternative visions for the future of work
Workforce transformation, not workforce displacement, is key to understanding how robots and AI will affect tomorrow's jobs.
Here's how the global financial crisis is still affecting your wages
More than 10 years on from the Crash of 2008, many people are still dealing with its aftermath.
The UK is banning adverts that portray sexist stereotypes
Britain's advertising watchdog is cracking down on portrayals of gender stereotyping, such as men struggling to change nappies, following repeated public outcry at controversial campaigns.