Event

A world in transition and the future of the global workforce

15 October 2024, 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Location: Online / Chatham House, 10 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LE

Think tank: Chatham House

This event hosted by UK think tank Chatham House discusses how migration and global megatrends are shaping international labour.

As the fall-out of 2024’s ‘Election Super-Year’ becomes clearer, international policymakers and business leaders must now equip themselves to face the challenges and opportunities of the three key transitions that will dominate the next few decades: the journey toward a greener and healthier world; the transition to a more technologically adept society; and the development of a secure and productive economy for all. The adaption and evolution of the global workforce is an essential component of all three of these transitions and therefore a prescient analysis of how migration, workforce policies and modern technology trends will impact this ecosystem is essential.

Upskilling the workforce will no doubt remain a key focus for stakeholders. But the question remains, how do these plans move beyond the ‘ideas-phase’ and become policies that will keep pace in the fast-paced, modern and digital workplace? It may prove harder than ever for these ideas to come to fruition, with the rise of populist and nationalist political thinking fragmenting the balance between local and international labour. Indeed, this often leads to reduced attractiveness of skilled foreign labour in domestic markets. This puts global business in a very powerful position though, as companies can play an important role in readdressing these narratives, shaping the future of workforce policies and using examples of best practice to improve access, mobility and ultimately economic productivity, for the benefit of all.

Through this event, in partnership with EY, the panel will analyse how migration, skills development agendas and global megatrends, such as technology, sustainability and the global economy, will shape developments in the years to come.

A networking breakfast will precede this event, served between 0800 and 0900 BST.

Speakers

Lizzie Burden – UK Correspondent, Bloomberg TV

Dr Seema Farazi – Partner, EY

Christa Rottensteiner – Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the United Kingdom