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.
Can AI improve education? Here are 4 potential use cases
AI in education: AI systems are already altering the world of education, and they could be used in ways that help students learn, a professor of literacy education says.
Here's how 'cognitive flexibility' can improve your career
Workers need high levels of cognitive flexibility to survive in an environment in which skills and roles can quickly become obsolete, two professors say.
This is how Latin American women came to be more educated than men
More than 60% of Latin American women go to college today, compared to less than half of men. It’s a substantial increase from 1970, when it was only 5%.
Brain training probably doesn’t help ADHD – new study
Computer- or app-based exercises are widely believed to help reduce symptoms of ADHD by boosting working memory. But a study shows there is limited evidence.
Logos Hope: The Largest Floating Book Fair in the World
This is the largest floating book fair in the world! The Logos Hope, an old passenger ferry that was converted into a paradise for bibliophiles, holds more than 5,000 books and sails arou...
3 ways executives can strengthen company culture in a hybrid workplace
A CEO of a hybrid-first company shares three insights from his experience that may help other leaders and organizations navigate their global cultures.
What are the most popular hobbies among retirees?
A new Statista survey reveals the most popular hobbies for retirees. Cooking and baking came out top in the US, while reading was the first choice in the UK.
Here’s the Lightest Paint in the World (Inspired by Butterflies)
The lightest paint in the world was inspired by butterflies’ wings. It’s so light that you could coat a Boeing 747 with just 1.5 kg of paint rather than the 500 kg of paint typically used...
Gen Z Are Reading More Print Books Than E-Books
Teens and young adults might have a reputation for spending time online, but when it comes to books, 68% of Gen Z readers in the US prefer the printed word. While 42% read e-books in the ...
Here's why education systems need to start taking a 'skills-first' approach
The World Economic Forum has been leading a global initiative to improve education for skills. Here are our key takeaways for business, government and education.
Here's what your work style preference says about you
A former company VP and COO outlines four work-style preferences and the personality traits generally associated with them. What's yours?
The outsize benefits of school health and nutrition programmes
School health and nutrition programmes are an investment in the future that will build sustainable, inclusive and peaceful societies, says a new report.