THE CONTEXT

Labour markets and societies are being shaped by megatrends such as increases in life expectancy, globalisation, migration, environmental changes and digitalisation, as well as sudden shocks like the COVID19 pandemic. In a fast-changing and uncertain context, providing individuals with the right skills can help them increase their employability, adapt, and become resilient to external factors.

Developing effective skills policies requires strong intersectoral dialogue to ensure alignment of objectives and strategies. Many countries struggle to establish effective communication because of division of responsibility and accountability mechanisms across ministries, levels of governments and stakeholders. To the extent that skills policies fall primarily within the responsibility of specific ministries, be it Labour, Education, Innovation, or Economic development, it becomes hard to mobilise a strong buy-in from any other Ministry.