As a regional organisation, Abodoo recognises that members of APEC face several skills challenges, including:
- Bridging the skills gap: APEC member economies vary significantly in terms of their levels of economic development, educational attainment, and skills. Bridging the skills gap among member economies is critical to ensure that all member economies can benefit from APEC's economic integration and growth.
- Enhancing skills for innovation and technology: As the global economy becomes increasingly driven by innovation and technology, APEC member economies need to enhance their skills to keep up with the changing economic landscape. This includes developing skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing and data analytics.
- Promoting lifelong learning: As the nature of work evolves, workers will need to continually upgrade their skills to remain employable. APEC member economies need to promote lifelong learning and provide workers with opportunities to acquire new skills throughout their careers.
- Improving skills for entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, but many aspiring entrepreneurs lack the skills and knowledge needed to start and run a successful business. APEC member economies need to provide training and support to help entrepreneurs develop the skills they need to succeed.
- Addressing gender gaps in skills and employment: Women in APEC member economies often face significant barriers to acquiring the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. APEC member economies need to address gender gaps in education and employment and ensure that women have equal access to training and job opportunities.
- Developing skills for sustainability: APEC member economies need to develop skills to support sustainable development, including skills in areas such as renewable energy, resource management, and sustainable agriculture.
Addressing these skills challenges will require cooperation and collaboration among APEC member economies, as well as investment in education and training programs to develop the skills needed for the future of work.
We look forward to sharing our recommendations.