The world is grappling with pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges, and the role of TVET in sustainable development has never been more critical. Yet, despite its proven benefits in fuelling economies and preparing people for major shifts in the labour market, TVET continues to lack traction in these debates. On 11 September, WorldSkills Conference 2024 will tackle this challenge head-on with its opening session: “Strategies for excellence: Towards a global TVET agenda.”
Against the backdrop of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future from 22 to 23 September, which will shape global cooperation and development strategies, this plenary brings together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from around the world. Their mission: to chart a course for prioritizing TVET globally and create concrete actions for countries to strengthen their TVET systems.
After welcome speeches from Chris Humphries, President of WorldSkills, and a representative from French government, the award-winning journalist Georgie Ndirangu will moderate a panel of six international experts:
- Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
- Prof. Mohamed Belhocine, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union
- Mia Seppo, Assistant Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD
- Christopher J. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, Stanley Black & Decker
- Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Americas
Together, they will explore recent TVET developments across regions and sectors, discussing how evolving global labour markets and technological advancements are reshaping skill requirements and learning approaches in TVET. Key topics include bridging skills gaps, boosting educational innovation, addressing skills development challenges, linking skills with social justice, and ensuring inclusive skills development.
Sonya Hill, WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for The Americas, works as a Sales Engineer in renewable energy and brings a vital perspective to the conversation. Her journey from competing in Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition to the solar power industry illustrates the transformative power of TVET.
Sonya notes the importance of skills education in economic development. She said, “As the only woman participant in Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Special Edition Competition 2022 in Bordeaux, I aspire to make a significant impact in male-dominated skill areas by bridging the gender gap and encouraging women to pursue these careers.” Her insights will be crucial in addressing gender disparities and promoting TVET as an exciting career pathway.
High-level representatives from the ILO, OECD, and African Union underscore this conversation’s global significance. They will share visions for effective, inclusive skills systems, and discuss international collaboration strategies.
Christopher J. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer at, Stanley Black and Decker, a WorldSkills International Global Partner, will provide industry insight, addressing the critical role of business in shaping skill systems. With high demand alongside skilled labour shortages in the trades sector, Nelson’s perspective on industry-government collaboration will be invaluable.
This session offers WorldSkills Members, policymakers and government officials a unique opportunity to shape a global TVET agenda and learn about excellence in skills development systems. Educators and industry leaders will gain insights into positioning TVET as a critical component of sustainable development. Young people who are beginning their careers in skilled work will leave with a more thorough understanding of the global context of their field and be inspired to become advocates for TVET in their communities and workplaces.
These expert insights will be further explored and expanded upon in the subsequent session, Raising the bar: How do we create excellence in every TVET system?, from 11:30 to 12:45 (GMT+2). This high-level policy debate will focus on achieving excellence in TVET across different regions and contexts, featuring perspectives from Germany, Hong Kong, the World Bank, and Zambia, alongside youth interventions from WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives.
Ready to be part of discussions that will influence the future of skills development worldwide? Register now for WorldSkills Conference 2024 and download the event app to RSVP for sessions and create your own schedule.