February 5th, 2019, Dubai (UAE): Preparing future generations to adapt to the changes in the workplace brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution has never been more critical. Developments in AI, genetics, nanotechnology and biotechnology, to name just a few domains, have transformed the job market irreversibly. It is with this forward-looking premise that the UAE will launch the inaugural Advanced Skills Forum at the seventh World Government Summit (WGS 2019).
The forum comprises sessions that will bring together leaders from the government, academia and private sector. Participants will exchange experiences in developing advanced skills in their fields and brainstorm ways to equip the citizens of tomorrow with the tools required to meet the needs of future employers. The forum will also host a series of discussions that shed light on the UAE’s Strategy for Advanced Skills and a ministerial roundtable will examine embedding innovation into education and recruitment, as well as measuring candidates’ readiness for the future labor market.
His Excellency Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, said: “It is inevitable that in the future, new types of jobs will crop up to replace existing ones. In most industries, the required skill sets will change and transform how and where we work. Placing the citizen of the future first and preparing new generations for a labor market that looks very different from the one that we are familiar with is an imperative we cannot ignore.
Future citizens to need specific digital, business skills, not traditional degrees
Rapid urbanization, younger demographics, flexible work hours to dominate job market of tomorrow
“And this is where the Advanced Skills Forum will play a leading role on the global stage, as it will provide an ideal platform to discuss, debate and identify the requirements of the future workplace. The UAE adopts a vision of the future that includes an integrated framework for skill development based on identifying target groups, developing policies and programs, and consolidating a culture of lifelong learning.”
According to the ‘World Development Report 2019: The Changing Nature of Work’, published by the World Bank in late 2018, greater investments in health and education are imperative in a rapidly evolving labor market that is increasingly shaped by technology.
Rapid urbanization, younger demographics in emerging markets and flexible work hours are all expected to dominate the future workplace. With pioneering companies, such as Google, IBM and Apple, prioritizing skill sets over traditional educational background in the hiring process, the Advanced Skills Forum will explore the need to develop skills specifically aligned to the future market.
The World Government Summit 2019 will run from February 10 to 12 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. The landmark event is set to convene more than 4,000 participants from 140 countries, including heads of state and governments, as well as top-tier representatives of 30 international organizations.
About the World Government Summit
The World Government Summit organization is the primary global forum dedicated to shaping the future of governments worldwide. It takes place in February of every year in Dubai, UAE, bringing together prominent leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as scientists, authors, and entrepreneurs to engage in future-focused dialogues. The Summit showcases the latest innovations and best policies worldwide, with the goal of helping the next generation of governments harness technology and prepare for the rapidly changing political and economic landscapes, ultimately improving the lives of citizens across the world.
