Highlighting collaboration among academia, industry, and government, this session examines how the “Triple Helix” model drives innovation, accelerates research commercialization, and builds a skilled workforce in emerging sectors. Through case studies and expert insights, participants will explore practical strategies for fostering effective multi-sector partnerships that deliver real-world impact.

This panel explores strategies for human capital development in emerging and critical technologies, including AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Panelists will share their countries’ initiatives and innovative models to equip the workforce with the skills needed for the rapidly evolving tech landscape, while ensuring sustainable financing. The discussion will highlight the role of education sectors and multilateral partnerships in preparing the next generation of talent to stay ahead of technological change.

Across Asia and the Pacific, green infrastructure investments risk underperforming without parallel development of the workforce, skills, and institutions needed to support them. This session explores how green infrastructure investments can deliver their full climate and development impact by developing the right human capital.

This session presents the journey and key outcomes of the ASEAN Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, highlighting flagship events, regional collaborations, and lessons learned from South–South and international experiences. Outgoing and incoming ASEAN Chairs will discuss priority actions for advancing skills and workforce development in the region, while partners including ADB will share reflections and support plans. Participants will gain insights into shaping the future ASEAN workforce and leveraging AYOS momentum for 2026 and beyond.

This panel unites EU policymakers, VET associations, and a Center for Vocational Excellence (COVE) to explore how COVEs drive innovation, strengthen skills ecosystems, and enhance vocational education quality. The session also highlights the EU’s strategic framework and practical tools for fostering international collaboration and sustainable VET development.

Discover how ADB’s flagship scholarship and fellowship programs—the ADB-Japan Scholarship, ADB-ROK Scholarship, and ADB-Korea Fellowship—are shaping the next generation of leaders across Asia and the Pacific. This session will highlight how these partnerships enable students, faculty, and officials from developing member countries to gain advanced knowledge, practical skills, and global perspectives. Learn how ADB and its partners invest in people to drive inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

As emerging technologies like AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, and renewable energy rapidly transform industries, education and training systems must develop skilled talent sustainably while balancing relevance, accessibility, and innovation to remain globally competitive.

This session explores how education systems can equip children and youth with the skills, competencies, and experiences needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Speakers will share insights and practices from Asia and the Pacific and beyond, highlighting strategies to transform learning, ensure foundational quality, and foster future readiness for all learners. Participants will reflect on the challenges and opportunities in delivering meaningful lifelong learning that prepares young people for the future.

Explore how linking industrial investment, infrastructure, and skills development can drive innovation, ensure smooth technology adoption, and create jobs. Drawing on examples from manufacturing, utilities, and public sector transformation, panelists will discuss strategies for embedding skills development into sector-focused investments, highlighting successful partnership models, co-financing approaches, and practical solutions to accelerate technology adoption and job creation.