PRESS RELEASE - Exploring 2050: what will education and skills look like?
Reflecting on 30 years of work of the European Training Foundation
Turin, 28 November 2024 – Today, the European Training Foundation (ETF) marks its 30th anniversary with a day of events in Turin, Italy, where the institution has been operating since 1994. The event reflects on three decades of advancing education and skills development while focusing on the challenges and opportunities of shaping the workforce for 2050 and beyond.
“Today, we celebrate 30 years of achievements and also embrace the profound changes shaping education and skills development globally,” said Pilvi Torsti, Director of the ETF. “The anniversary theme ‘Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future,’ bringing together diverse voices to explore how the ETF can continue promoting innovation and collaboration for a resilient, inclusive workforce of the future.”
Imagining the workforce of 2050: ETF’s vision for the future
The anniversary celebrations begin this morning with a session titled “Imagining the Future”. The interactive session involves 140 participants, including 20 young representatives from the United World College of the Adriatic and Young European Ambassadors from EU neighbouring countries. They will join policymakers, experts, and education professionals in a collaborative exercise titled “Imagining education and employment in 2050.” This activity explores the critical skills, technologies, and systems, such as Artificial Intelligence or green technologies, needed for a rapidly evolving global landscape.
From Turin to the world: celebrating excellence in skills development
The journey continues in the evening at the Reggia di Venaria, with the participation of all those who have contributed to the ETF's three-decade journey: current and former staff, EU policy-makers and representatives, stakeholders from partner countries and local institutions. As a symbolic gesture celebrating the ETF’s connection to Turin, the Mole Antonelliana will be illuminated with the ETF’s 30th-anniversary logo this evening, thanks to the patronage of the City of Turin. A special video presentation, “From Turin with Love,” will showcase the ETF’s journey from its base in Piedmont to becoming a global leader in education and skills development.
30 years of impact: transforming education and skills worldwide
Since its founding in 1994, the ETF has supported education and training reforms across EU neighbouring regions. The ETF’s accomplishments include facilitating the transition of post-Soviet countries by modernising vocational education and training (VET) systems to align with evolving economic demands. It has enhanced the resilience of education systems in the Western Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East, addressing migration challenges through tailored education programmes designed to support refugees. The ETF has also promoted stability and innovation by supporting Ukraine’s education system after the Russian aggression.
Looking ahead: shaping education and work for a changing world
The ETF’s future priorities include addressing the dual digital and green transitions, leveraging AI, and promoting international skills recognition. As the ETF commemorates its 30th anniversary, it also looks to the future, focusing on creating adaptive, inclusive education systems that equip future generations with the skills to thrive in a changing world.
In 2024, the ETF launched the “Navigating the Future” series to explore how education and skills should evolve for the future. Topics include the dual digital and green transitions, the impact of artificial intelligence and automation, and the importance of international skills recognition in addressing workforce gaps in industrialised economies: the latter will form the basis of the ETF's 2028-2034 strategy.
Promoting sustainability: The ETF Green Skills Award 2024
This evening’s highlight will be the ETF Green Skills Award ceremony, which celebrates innovative projects that advance sustainable education.
The winners are:
- Latvia: Hemp School – Andris Višnevskis. Promoting hemp as a greener alternative to cotton and fostering sustainable farming.
- Türkiye: Always New – Nilüfer Günay. A sustainable fashion initiative repurposing old clothing and reducing textile waste.
- Madagascar: Green TVET – Matthews Wafula. Creating green jobs and advancing environmental conservation through eco-friendly projects.
These awards, voted on by thousands globally, underscore the ETF’s commitment to advancing sustainable education and its vital role in addressing global environmental challenges. More information here.
Background
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is an EU agency dedicated to improving education, training, and employability in countries beyond the EU. From its base in Turin, the ETF supports the development of human capital for inclusive, sustainable growth in EU neighbouring regions and beyond.
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Press contacts
Daria Santucci, +39 366 9639638, daria.santucci@etf.europa.eu