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.
Global public-private collaboration tackles cybersecurity skills gap
Over the next five years, economic loss due to cybercrime is predicted to reach a staggering $5.2 trillion. Unless we train the next generation of defenders, our systems remain vulnerable.
Why people are still celebrating this 350 year old painting
350 years since the death of Rembrandt van Rijn, his impact across the world is measured. Why is he still so revered in 2019, also known as Rembrandt year?
Over half of the working population are worried about their retirement
Concerns about not having enough money in retirement are universal. Global attitudes towards spending and saving highlight worrying patterns among employees worldwide.
This is how and why teachers from low income countries need more support
One in two pupils worldwide do not pick up the basics of literacy or numeracy. But a new scheme in Nigeria shows how quickly this can change when teachers are given proper support.
These are the tricks of the trade to hiring the best workers
Companies are wasting time and money chasing down a cast of thousands when they should be “narrowing the funnel” to find the right fit, believes management professor Peter Cappelli.
California pushes school times back to let students get more sleep
In a bid to improve the health and wellbeing of its schoolchildren, California has passed a new law which prevents schools from starting their day before 8am.
Switzerland has the most highly skilled workers in the world. This is why
It’s not all about getting young people into university for Switzerland, which is skilling its future workforce through on-the-job training.
These countries spend the most on education
Across the OECD, annual spending per student from primary to tertiary education averaged around $10,500.
5 million homes in 5 years - Pakistan's poverty pledge
The biggest government-backed housing programme ever attempted will use student architects, new technology and local materials to keep costs low.
Here's why not all office interruptions are bad
From chatty colleagues to pinging phones, workplaces are full of distractions which reduce productivity and increase time pressures. But are they all bad?
Here's why business strategists aren't focusing enough on communications
From central questions to thought leadership, two expert strategists have identified five ways communication can elevate and enhance the strategy development process.
Over 50% of British women have suffered sexual harassment while at work or place of study - so why is it still going unreported?
Women still fear they will pay their price for harassment instead of their abusers, leading to questions over the impact of the #MeToo social media campaign.