In 2020, the global workforce lost an equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs, an estimated $3.7 trillion in wages and 4.4% of global GDP, a staggering toll on lives and livelihoods. While vaccine rollout has begun and the growth outlook is predicted to improve, an even socio-economic recovery is far from certain.
The choices made by policymakers, business leaders, workers and learners today will shape societies for years to come. At this critical crossroads, leaders must consciously, proactively and urgently lay the foundations of a new social contract, rebuilding our economies so they provide opportunity for all.
In this context, the Forum remains committed to working with the public- and private sectors to provide better skills, jobs and education to 1 billion people by 2030 through initiatives to close the skills gap and prepare for the ongoing technological transformation of the future of work.
Education and Skills
Pad Women - the all-female business easing period poverty in Sri Lanka
Commercially produced towels typically sell for between 100 and 140 rupees, putting them out of reach of most Sri Lankan women.
Jobs and the Future of Work
How women venture capitalists invest says a lot about the inequality in their field
Though women led 17% of startups in 2017, they received just 2% of all VC funding in the US.
Economic Growth
These countries give the most aid - and are the most principled about it
A British-based index ranks countries by the amount of money they give away - not to serve their own interests but to alleviate suffering and promote global development.
Jobs and the Future of Work
MENA’s growing young population is a huge opportunity – if we get it right
The youth population across the MENA region is set to increase, expanding the share of the working-age population. This is a huge opportunity for the region's economic and social developm...
Education and Skills
Digital technology is changing how we deal with cost management
When companies talk about cost management, their focus typically is on slashing their current expenses. But in today’s digital era, cost management has taken on a new hue: It provides a s...
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Women from elite colleges earn more because they work more
The effect of a more selective school on wages conditional on working is small compared to the effect on the likelihood of working.
Financial and Monetary Systems
In 2019, women still bear the brunt of domestic chores
These eight different aspects of equality were looked at in the context of careers in science to see why men and women struggle with the work-home balance.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Cameroon farmers spice up earnings with forest-friendly foods
A government programme is providing training and funds to help farmers process and package local spices and herbs, boosting their incomes and protecting forests.
Education and Skills
Chicago makes history electing Lori Lightfoot as first black woman mayor
Political newcomer Lori Lightfoot was elected the first black female mayor of Chicago, defeating her opponent Toni Preckwinkle.
Arts and Culture
Did a censored female writer inspire Hemingway’s famous style?
Virtually everyone has heard of Ernest Hemingway, yet very few will have heard of Ellen N. La Motte.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
How this Chinese boxer delivered a knockout blow to gender stereotypes
Huang Wensi narrows her eyes and swings her fists towards her opponent, delivering a series of sharp punches before the referee finally separates the two, who have been duelling for seven...
Arts and Culture
Toddlers engage more with print books than ebooks, developmental researchers say
By reading print books, toddlers are more likely to engage with their parents, according to a recent study by these developmental researchers.