Register for WorldSkills Conference 2017: Skills Strategies for a Globalized World

During WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, vocational education and training (VET) leaders will be celebrating the accomplishments of the Competitors and the training systems they represent, while at the same time looking ahead to the skills challenges of the future during WorldSkills Conference 2017: Skills Strategies for a Globalized World.

The Conference, 16-17 October at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, will look ahead to identify the skills of the future. Why does global unemployment remain persistently high, when so many roles are unfilled? In a globalized world, where skills know no borders, how can education and training providers respond to changing skills demands? 

A coalition of VET leaders from around the world have developed a programme to work towards a global skills strategy, responsive to the demands of the fourth industrial revolution. “Together with our partners we have created a platform to ask challenging questions on how VET structures will respond to current and future industrial changes” said Alexander Amiri, Director of Sponsorship & Partnership, WorldSkills International.

The coalition developing the Conference includes senior representatives from UNESCO, the European Commission, the ILO, OECD, the British Council, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and the Russian Agency for Strategic Initiatives.

Key topics of discussion will include the globalization of skills and careers in an increasingly digitized world, and how that is creating a mismatch between jobs and skills. Panels will explore issues of labour force mobility and the constraints of existing qualifications to provide employment opportunities. Conference delegates will be invited to explore the specific challenges for skills in cities and combatting gender inequality in skills.

WorldSkills Conference 2017 will be framed by a ministerial opening plenary in the morning of 16 October and a ministerial closing plenary in the afternoon of 17 October. Skills, Education, and Industry Ministers from around the world have been invited to Abu Dhabi to join the event.

All supporters of the WorldSkills movement are invited to take part in the two days of panel discussions, key note presentations, and networking sessions. Visit the WorldSkills Conference 2017 website for more information and to register.