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.
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.
Testing our patience: traditional skills assessment earns a failing grade
Relying on monolithic testing means candidates are not being given an opportunity to have their skills assessed properly and is leading to a vast skills gap.
The world's biggest film festival makes its COVID-conscious comeback
Organizers and local authorities are banking on strict coronavirus protocols and testing to keep Cannes trouble-free, following growing cases of COVID-19.
5 children’s books that teach valuable lessons on engineering
Engineering books for young readers introduce children to the engineering design process - improving creativity, persistence and innovative problem-solving.
World Bank: 4 lessons on how to support young children during a pandemic
The World Bank has released $1.1 million in funding, to support 28 proposals in 28 countries that provide targeted support to young children during COVID-19.
Reskilling the workforce, one person at a lifetime
The Fourth Industrial Revolution will require new skills and a different mindset. Employees and employers alike will need to embrace lifelong learning.
This is the skill employers want most
Good decision-making skills are becoming more desirable to employers. The share of jobs requiring employees to make good decisions rose by 28% in 58 years.
Online MBA courses rebound at the world’s best business schools
Demand for MBAs has grown as the job market falters in the COVID-19 pandemic. European schools lead the rankings of providers, but US schools dominate overall.
Why is cognitive flexibility important and how can you improve it?
Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt our behaviour to achieve goals in a new environment - and it may have helped us during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Achieving digital equity means tackling 'tech poverty'
One-third of the world's children have missed remote learning during COVID-19. Investment's needed in connectivity, hardware, content and digital literacy.
9 inspiring commencement quotes from Biden, Fauci and more
Normally delivered by a famous figure, the commencement address offers graduates inspiration as they leave university and go into the professional world.
6 books to improve your mental and physical health
Reading can be a balm for our mental health - reducing stress and helping us sleep better. Sales of self-help books have doubled in the US since 2013.