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.
Students and retirement home residents in Malaysia are sharing ideas to prepare for the future
The 'library' is run by the Global Shapers Community and brings together old and young to discuss ideas, share knowledge and tackle the problems facing the modern world.
IQs are falling - and have been for years
The authors of a study claim that falling IQs could be due to environmental factors, such as what we eat, the air we breathe, and other daily lifestyle choices.
Why improving female sexual health and rights leads to a better society
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals specifically targets many of these issues.
History tells us we've got GDP wrong. Here's why
Phyllis Deane argued in the 1940s that the measure was flawed because it didn't include unpaid household labour.
These are the world's best universities
MIT comes out on top of the latest rankings from QS.
Why 'follow your passion' might be terrible advice
It could actually lead you to narrow your focus and neglect other areas of potential interest.
These are the cities where the World Cup threatens productivity the most
More than 60 hours of the competition overlaps with normal office hours in Rio and New York.
This data shows why you should think carefully about who you promote
You should base promotions on current performance, right? Not necessarily.
How recycling is helping to improve the lives of Syrian refugees
The project employs 1,200 people to collect and sort waste from the streets.
These two charts tell an important story about US attitudes to race
A recent survey shows that the majority of Americans view ethnic diversity positively.
The surprisingly boring role AI could play in classrooms
Addressing the digital skills gap will make children more valuable for future employment.
Students from this Ugandan refugee-camp school are attending some of the best universities in the world
A unique refugee-led initiative has converted donor support into an exemplary school system and training programme.