Session 2: Harnessing Adults’ Skills – Empowering Workers Across Generations

Apr 28, 2026 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Rixos Tersane hotel plenary room

Description

Harnessing the skills of adults across generations empowers workers at all life stages to have longer and more productive working lives in the face of ongoing megatrends. Globally, adults’ skill levels, engagement in learning and participation in the labour market remain areas of concern, especially for older adults. It is critical that governments fully leverage the existing talent pool as working lives extend and workforces shrink. This session will examine effective strategies for ensuring that all adults have access to relevant and accessible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, improving career guidance, and supporting older workers with the health, resources and conditions to remain meaningfully employed. The discussion could cover how workplaces can foster inter-generational learning by promoting collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship between younger and older employees, maximising the contributions of a multi-generational workforce and drawing on the unique strengths each generation brings. Discussion questions could include:
  • How can education and training programmes, including vocational and higher education, be made more flexible and accessible for busy adults balancing work, caregiving and other responsibilities?
  • How can the costs of adult learning be shared effectively between governments, employers and individuals to ensure affordability, particularly for learners and smaller enterprises?
  • What role can career guidance services and skills needs intelligence play in encouraging greater adult participation in education and training, including older workers?
  • How can governments and employers support older workers to remain meaningfully employed and active, including as contributors to intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer?
Format:
  • Opening presentations: Mr. Mark PEARSON, OECD Acting Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Mr. Samet GÜNEŞ, Director General of Türkiye Employment Agency (İŞKUR)
  • Plenary discussion co-chaired by Mr. Samet GÜNEŞ, Director General of Türkiye Employment Agency (İŞKUR) and Mr. Mark PEARSON, OECD Acting Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs