Skills systems must keep pace with profound changes in the world of work while ensuring that the benefits of technological, economic and environmental transformation are widely shared, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has emphasized at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
"Skills systems are the foundation of decent work and social justice. To deliver on that promise, they must be inclusive by design - innovation matters as much as ensuring no one is left behind," said ILO Assistant Director-General for Corporate Services Hao Bin, who spoke at the event opening.
The ILO is supporting and contributing to a broad programme of activities during WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, bringing its expertise on skills development, decent work and social dialogue to discussions on how education and training systems can respond to changing labour markets. Discussions include green and digital skills, skills financing and recognition, the future of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and the wider contribution of skills to productivity, innovation and decent work.
As part of its contribution to the conference, the ILO also launched a new guide, Next generation sector skills bodies: Driving productivity, innovation, decent work and social justice.
Drawing on experience from 18 countries, the guide calls for a new generation of Sector Skills Bodies that are more agile, evidence-driven and sustainable. It also examines how stronger links between industry and education and training systems can help countries anticipate skills needs and prepare workers and enterprises for changing jobs.
"Employers and workers need a sustained role in shaping skills priorities," said Assistant Director-General Hao Bin. Sector Skills Bodies can provide that vital bridge, bringing governments, employers and workers together to anticipate change, respond to emerging skills needs and ensure that investment in skills supports both productive enterprises and decent work.
During the conference, the ILO and WorldSkills International formalized their longstanding collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, building on their shared work to strengthen skills development and its contribution to decent work, productivity and social justice. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across various areas, including occupational standards and skills taxonomies, TVET systems strengthening, research and knowledge generation, capacity development and global policy dialogue.
