As the climate crisis inten­si­fi­es, tran­si­tio­ning to a green and just global economy is essential.
But do we have the skills needed for this tran­si­ti­on? And are we even sure what skills
will be needed in the future?
Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a crucial role, yet espe­ci­al­ly in low- and
middle-income countries, VET systems face major chal­lenges such as financial constraints,
ina­de­qua­te infras­truc­tu­re, weak labour market relevance, and low social recognition.
Another key issue is the tension between VET’s tra­di­tio­nal focus on indu­stri­al development
and the growing need to address envi­ron­men­tal sus­taina­bi­li­ty and social justice.
A dynamic debate has emerged on VET’s role in sup­port­ing these tran­si­ti­ons, with diverse
actors – from govern­ments and mul­ti­la­te­ral orga­ni­sa­ti­ons to companies, trade unions, civil
society, and local com­mu­ni­ties – proposing a range of solutions. These include specific
measures like green job training and broader systemic changes in VET’s role.
Yet critical questions remain, espe­ci­al­ly in low-income countries, where large parts of the
workforce, including informal and unpaid sectors, risk being left behind. While there is
general consensus on the principle of leaving no one behind, there is still a lack of clear
stra­te­gies for implementation.
This event will explore the oppor­tu­ni­ties and chal­lenges of VET and skills development
for green and just tran­si­ti­ons. It will bring together academics, poli­cy­ma­kers, and civil
society to discuss labour market relevance, social inclusion, and justice, with a focus on
Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Europe.
Registration: registration@oefse.at
The event will take place in a hybrid format. Upon regi­stra­ti­on, the link will be sent to
those who wish to par­ti­ci­pa­te online.