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.
3 ways countries can boost social inclusion and economic growth
World leaders face two linked challenges - reinvigorating economic growth and preparing people for the future of work. To meet these requires us to look at their relationship the other wa...
A detailed guide to understanding and hiring young employees
In the face of talent shortages, skills gaps, and aging workforces, what can companies do to hire young employees from among millennials and Generation Z?
How male bias in data collection puts female lives at risk
Caroline Criado Perez, campaigner and author of 'Invisible Women', says the male bias in data collection is putting female lives at risk and needs to be countered.
Scientists taught bees a simple number language – and they got it
Researchers have taught bees a simple form of language based upon numbers, giving weight to the possibility that an ability to learn mathematics is universal.
Women in Switzerland have gone on strike - this is why
Switzerland’s policies in support of women have lagged behind many of its European neighbours - so women are taking to the streets in protest.
This European city is the most educated in the world
The city with the highest percentage of university graduates has been revealed, as they're increasingly on the radar of companies and investors.
Unemployment is down across the world’s largest economies
Brazil is the only major economy that has seen unemployment levels rise over the past five years.
There isn't a single country on track to make the UN's targets for gender equality
A new report finds even the nations performing best on gender equality have some way to go.
5 new female-led companies achieve billion-dollar status
Unicorn companies are start-ups that achieve a one-billion-dollar valuation. At the moment, there are 357 unicorn companies
Most men still don't take paternity leave, according to a new study
Fewer than half of men took the full time offered after birth or adoption, according to the international survey.
Mexico unveils gender-neutral school uniforms policy
State-run schools in Mexico's capital have removed gender-specific school uniforms, government officials have announced.
Outdoor learning has huge benefits for children and teachers - so why isn’t it used in more schools?
Outdoor learning encourages skills such as problem-solving and negotiating risk, which are important for child development.