As the world faces unprecedented population growth and the urgent need for sustainable, knowledge-intensive food systems, transforming agricultural education and research has never been more critical. This session will explore how global and regional best practices can be leveraged to develop tech-savvy “agropreneurs” and close the gap in high-tech, climate-smart agriculture through the proposed Global High-Tech Agricultural University Network (GHAN).

This session explores one of the most urgent challenges facing skills systems today: how to meaningfully match people’s real capabilities with rapidly changing labor-market needs. Despite major investments in training and education, many countries still face persistent mismatches, unfilled vacancies, and underutilized talent. On the other hand, investments in skills analytics keep growing, tools and diagnostics are offered to shape policies and inform actions. Does this translate in better matching?

As governments and industries push for a greener economy, questions remain about whether education systems are equipping learners with the skills that truly matter. This debate will explore whether green skills translate into more and better jobs, examining whether education should act now to integrate these skills or wait for clearer market signals.

As the world of work rapidly evolves due to digital transformation, AI, and shifting demographic trends, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems face increasing pressure to adapt. This panel discussion will explore the skills and strategies needed to make TVET systems future-ready. Experts from Asia and the Pacific will examine emerging challenges–from AI and Industry 4.0 to demographic shifts—and share approaches to strengthen skills ecosystems, enhance industry engagement, and accelerate green and digital transitions.

This session aims to explore how private sector innovation is reshaping inclusive vocational training to meet the evolving needs of industries and learners. Speakers from across Asia will share how their institutions are bridging skill gaps, aligning training with market demand, and improving employability for women, youth and low-income communities. Attendees will gain insights into scalable models, industry partnerships, and strategies that make vocational training more inclusive and future-ready.

This presentation introduced the EntreComp framework, highlighting how entrepreneurial competencies—such as creativity, vision, mobilizing resources, working with others, and learning through experience—can be developed alongside digital, life, and green competencies to strengthen innovation, sustainability, and lifelong learning in education systems.