Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advances brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) had already disrupted the world of work, leading to the growing demand for new sets of skills and competencies. Consequently, old jobs were being lost, while new jobs were created including new pathways for commercial activities. The biggest concern has been the accelerated pace of digitalization due to automation and new modalities of remote working triggered by COVID-19 has led to the loss of low-skilled jobs and exacerbated inequities. Women, young people, and other marginalized groups have been affected disproportionately, and the digital divide between and within countries has widened.

In this Education Retreat Section, there will be two sessions:

1. Scaling EdTech, Digital Skills and IR 4.0 Skills to Support the Growing Digital Economy (2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.)

This session was conducted in a “talk show” style. In this modified panel discussion format, discussants took part in conversation driven by the questions of the moderator. 

The panel began with a very brief introduction of the rationale for this session by the moderator, followed by questions and answer period driven by the moderator who determined questions to bring out the relevant information and discussion from panelists. A predefined commentator from the ADB operational departments highlighted some key messages and/or key takeaways.

2. Green Transformation Needs a Green Workforce: The Role of Education and Training in Scaling Climate-Resilient Green Economy for the Post-COVID-19 World (3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m.)

The session started with two presentation panel discussions with two panelists representing all levels of education and highlighting the need to blend conceptual thinking with practical applications. Each panelist presented a brief statement on how to prepare future-ready leaders and the workforce with green skills and the implications on how DMCs can collaborate to mainstream climate change in education and workforce development. The statement was followed by a question regarding how to design and operationalize such an approach, drawing on concrete examples. After this, two discussants shared their thoughts and raise questions to the panelists.

SPEAKERS