Social trends, people and talent in CEE

Vocational education and training (VET) systems aim to prepare people for employment and active citizenship. It targets qualified and relevant skills for various sectors and occupations closely linked to the labour market. Governments need to improve the relevance of existing programmes and implement new VET programmes that are relevant to today’s labour market. 

VET comprises both formal and informal learning. It is provided through a wide range of settings and institutions including schools, public and private vocational colleges, higher education institutions and workplaces in both the formal and informal economies.

One of the UN’s sustainable development goals is  to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. We have seen progress in recent decades, as more women are taking leadership positions, laws are advancing gender equality and more girls are going to school. 

But the pandemic poses a threat to this advancement, and exacerbates existing inequalities. 

Governments and public sector institutions should prioritise policies and initiatives that put gender equality at the forefront to foster prosperity and peace.

As the region rapidly transforms, it’s important that no one gets left behind. 

Youth are our future leaders. Investing in their skills and development is investing in the future. 

But older generations are equally important. While youth are adept and agile with technology, it doesn’t come as naturally for older people. Time and resources should be invested into ensuring everyone is able to use and benefit from the latest digital tools.