As WorldSkills Conference 2024 approaches, we spoke to Laurence Gates, WorldSkills Board member and a key figure in the Conference Coalition. She shared her insights on the Conference’s evolution and the opportunity to create a truly global dialogue on skills development.
Can you tell us how you became involved with the WorldSkills Conference?
The WorldSkills Conference has been part of my portfolio since I became a WorldSkills Board member in 2015. It was exciting to be asked to help create an event that brings together the global skills community and drives important conversations around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). My role is to work closely with the Conference Coalition to ensure our event addresses the most pressing topics in skills development.
How has the WorldSkills Conference evolved over the years?
In the early days, it fell to the host Member to decide whether they wanted to organize a Conference alongside the WorldSkills Competition. However, we grew to appreciate that if we wanted to engage a broader audience and have a lasting impact, we needed a dedicated event. The turning point came at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, where the Conference exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance and engagement. It helped us realize the greater potential of the WorldSkills Conference and since then we have worked hard to build on that success, refining the format, and expanding the scope to cover a wider range of topics and perspectives.
What role does the Conference Coalition play in shaping the WorldSkills Conference?
The original vision was for WorldSkills to provide the platform, while the Coalition would help develop the content and direction of the Conference. Over the years, the Coalition has grown in both size and influence, with representatives from leading international organizations, governments, and industry partners including UNESCO, UNIDO, the African Union, and the Federal Ministry of Education in Germany. They bring a wealth of expertise and insight to the table, helping us create a programme that is both comprehensive and connected to the issues of our time.
How do you ensure that the Conference is relevant and engaging for delegates?
This is one of our top priorities. We recognize that different countries and regions have unique contexts, challenges, and priorities when it comes to skills development. That is why we strive to create a programme that offers something for everyone. It is not just about the content, but also how that content is presented. We work closely with our speakers and partners to make sure that the sessions are tailored to the needs and interests of our audience, wherever they are in the world and whatever the size of their economy. Ultimately, our goal is to create a truly global conversation around skills, where everyone has a voice and can learn from each other.
How will WorldSkills Conference 2024 connect to WorldSkills Lyon 2024?
WorldSkills Conferences and WorldSkills Competitions are – and must be – intrinsically linked. We understand that the Competition can often be the primary focus for our Members, but we feel the Conference should be seen as an essential platform to discuss what skills excellence means when applied to the real world.
We want Member countries and regions to take away valuable insights and learning opportunities to ensure their young Competitors can adapt to the changing skills landscape – and thrive on it! We also want them to stay competitive in their own markets. Knowing how different each Member’s are, we have deliberately planned sessions and topics that everyone can benefit from, covering a broad range of themes and profiles with a good representation of perspectives and geographies.
How do you see the WorldSkills Conference addressing the impact of technological advancements, such as AI, while also recognizing the ongoing need for a skilled workforce?
This is an important conversation that we need to keep having. As we discuss the impact of AI and other technological advancements on skills development, we need to also remember that skilled people remain essential to economic and human development. WorldSkills Conference 2024 will offer an important, and much-needed platform to explore this balance, showcasing how technology can enhance and support skills development while also emphasizing the enduring value of a skilled workforce. It is about finding a way to embrace innovation while also valuing the fundamental skills that keep our world moving.
WorldSkills Conference 2024 takes place between 11 to 12 September 2024 in Lyon, France. Space is limited for this event. Secure priority access today.