This introductory session will set the tone for Local Skills Week by providing an overview of challenges faced by local governments due to the twin transition.

How can local governments draw on the international skills agenda to encourage more citizens to learn skills for the jobs of tomorrow? In February 2024, the OECD Skills Summit gathered leadership from member countries to discuss national policy changes needed. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the European Year of Skills furthered initiatives within the EU to drive lifelong learning rates, such as EU Individual Learning Accounts. The ILO strategy on skills and lifelong learning 2030 supports skills systems that encourage decent work around the globe. This session will discuss how to transform this international-level momentum into local action on the ground. Esta sesión tendrá interpretación en español.

The green-digital twin transition is profoundly transforming sectors, jobs, and skills that are in demand. However, the challenges as well as opportunities differ across communities and between population groups within OECD countries. During this session, the OECD will launch its new “Twin Transitions Tracker: Assessing Regional Preparedness” that zooms in on regions’ preparedness for the twin transition. The dashboard allows users to compare their region with others in the OECD on the skills and labour market implications of the green and digital transitions. The session will explore possible local and regional policy actions that can boost the supply of green and digital talent, address labour shortages, or boost economic resilience in light of the twin transition and other economic transformations. Esta sesión tendrá interpretación en español.

Local governments in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) can harness investments in renewable energy and green infrastructure to provide quality jobs to rural or vulnerable communities. Local skilled workforces are necessary to make these investments a lever for social inclusion. Between 2015 and 2020, IDB research with LinkedIn data noted that green skills such as environmental services have grown by as much as over 100% in many Latin American countries. This session will bring together IDB project partners from the LAC region with policymakers to discuss strategies to bring together local government efforts, where many green investments are made, with nationwide vocational training systems. Esta sesión tendrá interpretación en español.