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The session gathered key stakeholders, policy makers, and industry leaders to explore the transformative power of skills development in our increasingly digital world, aligning with the WorldSkills Conference 2024 mission to move TVET to the top of the global agenda. 

A high-level exchange on "Building skills for tomorrow" featured Mr Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training of South Africa, and Mr Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO. This resulted in an engaging dialogue on skills development, exploring strategies for preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. 

Both panelists emphasized the urgency of addressing skills gaps in the face of rapid technological, economic, and societal changes driven by digital transformation and artificial intelligence. UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy (GSA) plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by providing targeted skills development programs tailored to the digital and AI-driven economy.

As of December 2023, the initiative has supported over 850,000 learners across more than 60 countries, with support from its key partners. The GSA plays a crucial role in advancing SDGs 4 and 8 by equipping youth with essential skills for a sustainable future.

Key GSA partners presented their innovative contributions to youth skills development and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their work with the GSA.

IBM showcased its education program IBM , offering free courses in 20 languages on topics such as artificial intelligence, including AI ethics and generative AI, as well as cybersecurity, and data analytics. Ms Kate Ross, from IBM's Corporate Social Responsibility, presented the program, noting that 60% of workers will require additional training by 2027 according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, emphasizing the need for accessible training programs like IBM SkillsBuild to meet this growing demand. IBM SkillsBuild provides customized practical learning experiences for adult learners, high school students, educators, academia students, and faculty. In addition to technical disciplines, the program also offers accessible courses in workplace skills such as Design Thinking.

IBM supports UNESCO's Global Skills Academy mission and its vision of offering free, high-quality online training to equip young people with job-ready skills.

Huawei introduced its , presented by Mr Pallavi Malhotra, Director for Huawei Talent Alliance, Western Europe, CEE & Nordic Regions. 

Since the launch of the collaboration between GSA and Huawei, it has rapidly committed to developing and expanding its educational offerings. The collaborative platform, an open online learning platform for teachers and students of UNEVOC, and lifelong learners, offers 157 customized courses for academia, with over 250 free courses in five languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese), covering AI, data management, and app development. 

Notably, more than 69 of these courses are available in minority languages, aligning with GSA's commitment to inclusive education.

Microsoft, represented by Ms Béatrice Matlega, Director of Educational Partnerships and Programs in France, shared its educational partnerships aligning with GSA initiative. 

Her presentation on "AI Skills in the Classroom: Transforming Teaching and Learning" highlighted how AI aptitude is becoming increasingly important across different roles and industries.

Microsoft introduced its Library of AI Skills for Educators and existing training resources, reinforcing the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing youth for the future workforce. The company committed to enhancing its offerings with a focus on cloud computing, cybersecurity skills and more alongside GSA. 

The event discussed the growing demand for digital and AI skills across various industries. According to the , 44% of workers' skills are expected to be disrupted in the next five years, highlighting the critical need for continuous upskilling and lifelong learning programs.

Mr Hervé Huot-Marchand, Chief of the Section of Youth, Literacy and Skills Development at UNESCO, concluded the session by saying: “Our joint efforts, by GSA and all stakeholders, align perfectly with , aiming to transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training for successful and just transitions”. He encouraged to turn the insights gained during the Session at WorldSkills Conference 2024 into tangible actions that will shape the future of skills development worldwide, particularly for our youth.

The GSA Spotlight Session at WorldSkills 2024 reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to foster a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future through innovative skills development initiatives. As the world continues to evolve, the Global Skills Academy stands ready to equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital and AI-driven global economy.

In light of the addressing need for comprehensive skills development, the Global Skills Academy issued a call to action for all stakeholders – governments, educational institutions, private sector companies, and civil society organizations – to join forces in supporting youth skills development. The GSA emphasized that collaborative efforts are crucial to bridging the skills gap and ensuring that young people worldwide have access to quality training and opportunities for personal and professional growth.