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.
Which universities have the world’s best reputations right now?
The Times Higher Education survey ranks the world’s universities by global reputation. There’s no change at the top for 2021 - but China has broken into the top 10 for the first time.
Why do bilingual speakers find switching languages so easy? Neuroscience has the answer
Researchers have discovered that the brain doesn't differentiate between different languages in conversations between bilingual speakers.
More and more workers are quitting their jobs. Here's how to retain your talent
In the United States, workers quitting their jobs increased by almost 800,000 in the past year, meaning companies need to rethink their talent strategies.
The lesson teachers could learn from Michael Jordan
Four experts recently shared their opinions at the Translating Research on Effective Teaching to Practice event to strengthen teaching and provide high-quality professional development.
Why young people need help to reconnect after COVID-19
COVID-19 lockdowns didn't just hit children's education, it impacted their relationships, friendships and more.
Why the arts and humanities are critical to the future of tech
Two science and technology institutions top the 2022 rankings for arts and humanities. They know that the 4th industrial revolution needs critical thinkers.
How clean air in schools improves children's health and learning ability
COVID-19 has highlighted the need to improve indoor air. Schools around the world should upgrade infrastructure to improve health and learning outcomes.
These are the degrees that will earn you the most money when you graduate - and the ones that won’t
The 25 best-paid and most-in-demand college degrees in America are all in science, technology, engineering and maths, finds a new study.
Race to net-zero: why universities must walk the walk on emissions
A new report surveys 566 universities that have submitted data against SDG 13, which is a call to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
World Bank: Why empowering teachers is key to COVID-19 recovery
$15 trillion in value of children's future earnings is expected to be lost due to interruptions to learning. Teachers need support in order to reduce this.
This solar-powered motorhome was designed by students
Students have developed a solar-powered motorhome to inspire carmakers and politicians to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable transport.
How can we improve children's screen time management in the digital age?
Children are now growing up in a digital society, with the boundaries between recreation, communication and learning increasingly merging together.