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.
More than 1 in 6 young adults in the EU were not in education or work in 2020
New research shows the impact the pandemic has had on Europe's younger generation, with women most affected.
By 2030, 60% of the world’s urban population will be under 18. Are our cities ready?
By 2030, 60% of the world’s urban population will be under 18. A new Brookings report looks at how to incorporate children into the urban planning process.
Digital learning is real-world learning. That’s why blended on-campus and online study is best
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Education at Deakin University, discusses how to create a university experience that prepares students for a digital future.
China needs 11.8m workers. Here's how to close its labour gap
China has a demographic and education gap in its future workforce owing to its aging population, low immigration and relative lack of high-skilled workers.
Could 3D printed schools be 'transformative' for education in Africa?
Children in Salima, central Malawi, have started their education at a new 3D-printed school which was built in just 15 hours, made of layers of concrete.
This is how we can equip young people with the skills they’ll need post-pandemic
COVID-19 has decimated education and training for millions of young people around the world. Skilling them for the jobs of the future is the answer, says the UN.
Universities can be 'living labs' for sustainability
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology shows how higher education's multistakeholder networks can produce more effective sustainability solutions
What Bangladesh can teach and learn about closing the education gender gap
Bangladesh is globally recognized for increasing access to educational opportunities for girls, but most women still can't transition into good jobs.
How defining intangible investments can help grow the knowledge economy
Companies that invest intangible assets assets are unlocking record growth. So why do we need to redefine these assets and how can policymakers help?
Ontario is modernizing its maths curriculum to emphasize coding skills and personal finance
The Minister for Education for Ontario wants to make sure all students have the skills needed to succeed in future workplaces, like financial literacy.
A 14-year-old has become the first African-American winner of a famous US spelling bee
14-year-old Zaila Avant-garde has become the first African American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She won by correctly spelling 'Murraya'.
Asian universities are on the rise. This is what it means for the rest of the world
Asia has increased its representation in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings from just over a quarter of all ranked universities in 2016 to almost a third today.