inclusion

Sustainability and social inclusion

The ETF supports social inclusion as an important transversal issue within all its activities, through reinforced collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Technological change, the greening of economies, globalisation and demographic factors, including migration and the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, have profoundly influenced labour markets and the workplace, and require new skills sets for individuals to make the best use of opportunities while mitigating emerging risks.

The UN Sustainable Development Agenda, adopted in September 2015, confirms the role of economic growth and inclusion strategies in fighting poverty, tackling climate change, and encouraging environmental protection. It brings together a range of social policy areas, including education, health, social protection, and job creation and employment, and includes two specific goals which represent priorities for our work. Goal 4 calls for inclusive and quality education for all and the promotion of lifelong learning, while Goal 8 advocates inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

As a contributor to the international fora working towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals, the ETF's efforts focus on the capacity building of stakeholders in its partner countries in the EU's neighbouring regions, supported by a facilitated regional policy network of national stakeholders, representatives of international organisations, and representatives of the European Commission. The aim is to establish policies and practices that enhance the role of human capital development in sustainability and social inclusion, emphasising its civic, social, and equity dimensions. 

The ETF is also a member of the Inter-Agency Group on Technical and Vocational Education and Training where we share information and develop methodologies and tools across a range of policy areas, including initiatives to improve the contribution of human capital development to sustainable social and economic development.