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.
These are the digital skills companies need to succeed in a changing economy
These are changes that appear unlikely to recede in the wake of the pandemic; rather, companies will continue to move forward with digitalization at an accelerated pace.
1,500 endangered languages could disappear by the end of the century
The world’s language diversity is under threat as education and greater mobility change the way humans communicate.
COVID-19’s impact on jobs and education: using data to cushion the blow
COVID-19's impact on jobs and education has been hugely detrimental but data can help determine safe school reopening plans and a return to work.
Which books are better for toddlers - digital or traditional?
When it comes to reading to young children, huddling together over a good old-fashioned book is better than story time on a tablet, new research suggests.
These are the most popular LinkedIn courses for business leaders
LinkedIn has released the top-15 list of training courses chosen by business leaders and managers, including coaching skills and communication around diversity.
How children at urban schools can benefit from learning in nature
Learning in nature can improve children's health, attention capacity, social skills and overall well-being. However, in urban areas, it's not as easy to do.
We need to connect every school to the internet. Here's how
Many students who could not access the digital tools to sustain their learning during COVID-19 school closures are at risk of being left further behind.
Is a longer school day the answer to catching up after COVID-19? Experts explain
The UK's Department for Education has reportedly discussed extending the school day, by allowing state schools to increase the hours teachers can work.
Education: how can we improve access for children in Western and Central Africa?
High rates of learning poverty in Western and Central Africa suggest that too many children are either not attending school or are not learning enough in school.
The economic impact of ageism
New research quantifies the struggles that midcareer workers - aged 45 and over - worldwide face and suggests possible interventions to level the playing field.
Want to avoid procrastination? Don't set deadlines
If you want to curb procrastination, don’t set yourself a deadline, or set as short a deadline as you can, researchers say after a study.
Which emerging economies have the best universities?
‘Secondary emerging’ economies lead the way in Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies Universities Rankings 2022.