A Global Call for Unified Workforce Development

Jun 25, 2025
5:30 pm-7:00 pm

A Global Call for Unified Workforce Development

This opening plenary will explore the need for a coordinated, global approach to workforce development that brings together universities, employers, and governments to create sustainable, adaptive, and inclusive labor markets. As economies become more interconnected, technological advancements reshape industries, and workforce dynamics shift, it is critical for these stakeholders to collaborate in preparing a workforce capable of meeting the demands of the future. We will discuss the emerging trends in global workforce development, the challenges faced by each stakeholder group, and the opportunities for forging partnerships that address skills gaps, promote lifelong learning, and drive economic growth. By focusing on the global nature of workforce challenges, this session aims to spark cross-border, cross-sector collaboration that leads to impactful, scalable solutions for workforce development worldwide. Panel Resources: Colleges Must Improve Their Employer Partnerships. Here Is How. How Regional and State Associations Can Build Colleges’ Work-Based Learning Capacity Is “Internship” a Bad Word? What Would Make Work-Based Learning More Appealing to Community College Students?

Speakers

Jeff Selingo

Journalist, Author, and Former Editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education

Shalin Jyotishi

Founder; Managing Director, Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative, New America

Simon Roy

Head of Education Policy, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

Sun Sun Lim

Vice President, Partnerships & Engagement and Lee Kong Chian Professor, Singapore Management University