Feb Thumbnail

What if your job didn’t exist tomorrow? It’s a question many are grappling with as technology, automation, and global shifts redefine industries at an unprecedented pace. On one hand, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries, opening doors to innovation and new possibilities. On the other hand, these very advancements are displacing jobs, especially for those in low-paying and repetitive roles, leaving millions at risk of being left behind.

The effects of this transformation are being felt across the globe. Economic challenges like rising costs, political uncertainties, and rapid technological changes are reshaping how people work and earn a living. From inflation and job cuts to shifts in global trade and policies, workers everywhere are feeling the pressure, making it crucial to focus on creating stable and fair job opportunities.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that 39% of core skills required across occupations are expected to change by 2030. The report also emphasizes that 50% of all employees will need reskilling as technologies like AI and automation transform workplaces. Alongside this, there’s a renewed focus on gender equality, as women disproportionately bear the brunt of job displacement, often concentrated in sectors most vulnerable to automation. With limited opportunities in the formal sector, over 2 billion workers globally have turned to informal employment, lacking social protection and facing economic vulnerabilities, according to the United Nations SDG Report 2024.  

The conversation isn’t just about challenges; it’s about solutions and possibilities. As industries evolve, so must our approach to work, ensuring that opportunities are fair, inclusive, and designed for everyone to thrive. Sustainable economic growth needs everyone to play a part—governments improving labor protections, businesses using AI responsibly, and individuals gaining new skills to stay ready for the future. This contrast between economic prosperity and hardship highlights why it is crucial to focus on creating fair, inclusive opportunities and achieving decent work and economic growth for all.

AI and You: The Future of Work

By 2030, an estimated 14% of global jobs could be automated, disproportionately affecting low-wage workers and women, who are overrepresented in clerical, customer service, and administrative roles. The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that women are particularly vulnerable to the automating effects of AI, especially in clerical and business process outsourcing roles prevalent in developing economies.

In countries like Germany, rising energy costs and the shift to electric vehicles have triggered layoffs in the manufacturing sector, impacting job security. At the same time, China’s youth unemployment crisis, with record highs of 21.3%, highlights the growing mismatch between education and job opportunities. Thousands of jobs have already been lost in the manufacturing and outsourcing sectors as companies increasingly adopt AI-driven solutions in Malaysia and the Philippines. This trend underscores the urgency for proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of automation.

AI’s impact is also evident in developing countries, where workers in nations like Kenya are engaged in repetitive tasks for global tech companies at minimal wages. These positions, often referred to as “AI data sweatshops,” offer little job security and highlight the gig economy’s shortcomings in providing decent work.

To adapt to this evolving landscape, policymakers and businesses must prioritize upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicates that 75% of companies plan to adopt AI technologies, which will significantly alter job requirements.

The ILO emphasizes the importance of providing employment support measures for workers most exposed to AI disruption, ensuring access to social protection and reskilling opportunities. This approach is crucial for facilitating workers’ transitions to new roles in the evolving job market.

Investing in People: A Pathway to Decent Work

At the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, the theme “Investing in People” highlighted the importance of focusing on people to drive economic growth. It emphasized the need for fair job opportunities, sustainable growth, and ensuring that everyone has access to productive and decent work. Central to this discussion were strategies for reskilling and upskilling the workforce, as well as promoting gender equality in the labor market.

  1. Reskilling and Upskilling: Preparing for the Future of Work

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 due to increased technology adoption. Critical thinking and problem-solving are among the top skills employers believe will become more important in the next five years. Additionally, self-management skills like active learning, resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility are gaining prominence.

Image Credit: moneycontrol.com

In a session titled “Industries in the Intelligent Age,” Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, emphasized AI’s transformative potential across various sectors, including public services, healthcare, and food security. She stated, “There’s a real change in the way that governments can serve citizens. So there’s a lot of opportunity with government.”

Sanofi’s CEO, Paul Hudson, emphasized that the true potential of AI lies in collaboration with human skills rather than replacing them. He stated, “AI doesn’t beat human plus AI,” suggesting that while AI can bring efficiency and innovation, the best outcomes are achieved when humans and AI work together. This approach ensures that technology complements human expertise, rather than replacing it, leading to more productive and sustainable economic growth.

To address the challenges on upskilling, the World Economic Forum launched the Reskilling Revolution initiative, aiming to provide better education, skills, and job opportunities to over 1 billion people by 2030. This initiative includes 34 business commitments, engaging 17 governments and over 370 companies across 59 countries.

As of January 2025, more than 716 million people worldwide are set to benefit from the Reskilling Revolution initiative. This ambitious program is preparing the global workforce with the skills needed to future-proof their careers amidst significant transformations driven by technological change, the green transition, and demographic shifts.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial to invest in reskilling and upskilling the workforce. Initiatives like the Reskilling Revolution play a vital role in ensuring that workers are prepared for the future, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

2. Promoting Gender Equality

Gender disparities in the workforce present significant challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. Women often encounter obstacles such as unequal pay, limited access to leadership roles, and health disparities that hinder their economic participation.

    Image credit: WEF 2025

    A report by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute, revealed that women live 25% more of their lives in poor health compared to men. Anita Zaidi, President of Gender Equality at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighted the historical lack of data in women’s health, stating, “One of the first things I noticed when I took on this role was the lack of data—the lack of general data that informs why we should be caring about women’s health”. “For every dollar you invest in women’s health, there’s a three-dollar return,” she noted.

    Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of equity but also makes economic sense. Closing the gender gap in employment and entrepreneurship could boost global GDP by 20%. Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, emphasized, “If you had women participating as actively as men in the economy, the GDP of the world would be 20% higher.”

    Smriti Irani, a former Indian cabinet minister and founder of the Alliance for Global Good, Gender Equality, and Equity, emphasized that 70% of jobs held by women globally are vulnerable to automation. She raised concerns about the reliance of generative AI on internet data, questioning how much of this content accurately represents women’s issues. Irani also highlighted challenges faced by women in low-income countries, where limited internet access and the push for automation could threaten their livelihoods. She stated, “What happens to women and their businesses or their livelihoods in those countries, especially if most economies start pushing for automation?”

    Smriti Irani introduced WeLead Program at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos. This initiative focuses on leadership training, mentorship, and creating opportunities for women across various sectors. Irani emphasized the importance of equipping women with the necessary skills and support to thrive in leadership roles. She stated, “When women are empowered, the potential for innovation, resilience and progress gets unlocked”.

    Image Credit: Michael Buholzer/AP

    At the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, 2025, David Beckham, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, highlighted the challenges faced by girls worldwide. He emphasized that “girls are held back by poverty, violence, and discrimination.” Reflecting on his own family, Beckham expressed his desire for his daughter, Harper, to have the same opportunities as her three brothers. He pointed out that today’s 600 million adolescent girls represent the largest generation of future leaders and innovators the world has ever known. However, he stressed that “girls need more than just words; they need opportunities, collective action, and investment.”

    With AI automating many of the roles traditionally held by women, the gender employment gap is set to widen even further. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global gender employment gap stands at 25%, with women predominantly employed in low-paying, informal sectors that offer little to no social protection.

    Solutions such as expanding affordable childcare, flexible work policies, and leadership training programs are crucial to ensuring women are not left behind in the evolving job market. Companies must also take proactive steps to implement equal pay policies and promote women to decision-making roles. Addressing gender disparities in the workforce is crucial for achieving sustainable economic growth.

    Strategies for Effective Transition

    Achieving sustainable economic growth in today’s rapidly changing world requires a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. By focusing on key areas, we can create job opportunities, reduce inequalities, and build a resilient economy. Here are some essential strategies:

    1. Investing in Skills Development

    • Expand Vocational Training Programs: As technology evolves, many traditional jobs are changing or disappearing. To help workers adapt, it’s crucial to offer training that teaches new skills relevant to emerging industries. For example, programs that teach coding, renewable energy technologies, or advanced manufacturing can prepare individuals for the jobs of the future.
    • Enhance Digital Literacy: In our digital age, understanding how to use technology is essential. Providing education in basic computer skills, internet use, and digital tools ensures that more people can participate in the modern workforce. This is especially important in developing countries, where many people still lack access to digital resources. Bridging this gap can open up new economic opportunities and reduce inequalities.

    2. Strengthening Labor Laws and Protections

    • Implement Policies to Safeguard Worker Rights: Many workers, especially those in informal or gig economies, lack basic protections like fair wages and safe working conditions. Governments should enforce labor laws that ensure all workers are treated fairly. This includes setting minimum wage standards, regulating working hours, and ensuring workplace safety.
    • Provide Social Protection for Informal Workers: Informal workers often don’t have access to benefits like health insurance or unemployment support. Establishing social protection schemes can offer financial security and encourage workers to transition into formal employment.

    3. Encouraging Ethical AI Adoption

    • Prioritize Human-Centered AI: Businesses should implement AI technologies that assist and enhance human labor rather than replace it. This means designing AI systems that work alongside employees, improving productivity without leading to job losses. For instance, AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs.
    • Regulate AI-Driven Employment: Governments need to set guidelines to ensure that the use of AI in workplaces maintains fair wages and good working conditions. This includes monitoring how AI is used in hiring, task management, and performance evaluations to prevent biases and ensure transparency.

    4. Boosting Public-Private Partnerships

    • Collaborate to Create Sustainable Jobs: When governments and businesses work together, they can invest in industries that provide long-term, sustainable employment. For example, investing in renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, or green infrastructure can create jobs while benefiting the environment.
    • Support Local Innovation: Encouraging local entrepreneurs to develop solutions tailored to their communities can lead to more effective and sustainable economic growth. Providing funding, training, and resources to small businesses can stimulate local economies and create jobs.

    5. Promoting Gender Equality

    • Implement Supportive Policies for Women: Policies that support mentorship, career development, and work-life balance can help women succeed professionally. This promotes fairness and boosts economic growth, as diverse workplaces are more innovative and productive.
    • Ensure Equal Opportunities and Fair Pay: It’s essential to address wage gaps and ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities for promotions and leadership roles. This can be achieved through transparent pay structures, regular salary audits, and programs that encourage diversity in leadership.

    Success Stories and Best Practices

    1. India’s Digital Empowerment Drive

    In 2024, India continued its digital empowerment initiatives through programs like Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which offers free courses in sectors such as IT, digital marketing, coding, and AI. As of June 2024, approximately 8.8 million candidates registered on SIDH, with 763,000 enrolled in online courses, reflecting the nation’s commitment to upskilling its workforce.

    West Bengal, a state located in the eastern part of India, has made significant progress in promoting decent work and economic growth. According to the NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023-24, the state’s SDG 8 score improved from 57 in 2018 to 63 in 2023, indicating effective policies in skill development, MSME growth, and rural employment.

    •  Connecticut’s Green Jobs Corps

    Connecticut’s Green Jobs Corps Program has made significant strides in developing a skilled workforce to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions. The program focuses on creating career pathways in green technology sectors, including solar installation, building weatherization, energy auditing, and HVAC maintenance.

    In February 2024, the Connecticut Clean Economy Council submitted a comprehensive workforce plan to the state’s Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. This plan outlined strategies for:

    • Developing certificate and degree programs in green technology at technical education and higher education institutions.
    • Implementing work-based learning opportunities to provide hands-on experience.
    • Identifying funding sources to support these educational initiatives.
    • Recruiting individuals from underrepresented populations to ensure equitable access to green job opportunities.

    Several educational institutions across Connecticut have launched specialized programs aligned with the Green Jobs Corps objectives. For instance, the state’s community colleges have introduced certificate courses in renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency. Additionally, partnerships between the government and private sector have facilitated apprenticeships and internships, providing practical experience to students and workers transitioning into green careers.

    Creating a world where everyone has access to decent work and the chance to grow is something we all deserve. From young graduates stepping into the job market to mothers balancing work and family, and small business owners striving to stay afloat—the need for fair opportunities and economic stability touches us all. Work isn’t just about earning a living; it’s about feeling valued, secure, and hopeful for the future. The road ahead may have its challenges, but with stronger worker protections, better education and training, and businesses that put people first, meaningful change is possible. It all starts with each of us. Learning new skills, choosing to support ethical businesses, or speaking up for fair opportunities in our communities all contribute to a better future. Let’s come together to build a world where no one is left behind. The time to act is now—because everyone deserves a fair chance at success.

    -Neethu Paul