B20 Human Capital Taskforce to address global workforce challenges

B20 Human Capital Taskforce to address global workforce challenges

The B20 Human Capital Task Force has called on G20 leaders to adopt practical, actionable and measurable recommendations to address the challenges facing today’s global workforce.

In an address to the G20 Employment Task Force in Sydney on 6 February, Mr Steve Sargent, B20 Human Capital Task Force coordinating chair, and President and CEO of GE Australia & New Zealand, said the B20 would make recommendations in five key areas:

  1. Maximising job creation potential
  2. Providing education, training and skills to meet labour demand
  3. Creating solutions to better match supply and demand
  4. Encouraging labour flexibility to adapt to rapid changes
  5. Implementing measurable targets to ensure accountability and progress.

“Repositioning of global economies, rapidly changing technology and shifting social dynamics continue to impact today’s work environment. Business, government, educational institutions and community organisations need to step up and take greater responsibility for delivering practical, actionable and measureable solutions that support economic growth, business growth and jobs growth,” Mr Sargent said. “Action should be taken to ensure people are appropriately skilled, and have the capability and flexibility to participate in the workforce of today and into the future.” Mr Sargent went on to note that, “While G20 countries each face their own challenges, we have a real opportunity to work together to deliver a sustainable improvement in global job creation, skills development and workforce flexibility. The challenge may be great, but there are viable solutions.”

Mr Sargent said the work of the G20 Employment Task Force over the past two years provided a solid foundation for Australia’s presidency. He confirmed the B20 Task Force would continue to work closely with members to ensure prior recommendations, such as addressing youth unemployment through the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN), are implemented. “We are delighted that the IOE-BIAC GAN initiative for creating opportunities for young people and ensuring skills continues to be supported by the B20 as a key means to addressing youth employment,” said IOE Secretary-General Brent Wilton, who is currently supporting Steve Sargent as co-chair of the Taskforce.

The B20 Human Capital Task Force will consider factors that contribute to meaningful employment such as education, health and wellness, labour demand and the enabling environment. Focus will be given to skills, training, participation, mobility, technology and regulatory frameworks and how these can enhance the involvement of individuals in a rapidly changing workforce. This year, 60 business leaders will take part in the development of recommendations to G20 governments through the B20 Human Capital Task Force.

“We will continue an on-going dialogue ahead of the July B20 Australia Summit in Sydney where we will finalise recommendations to be put to the November G20 Leaders Summit,” Mr Sargent said.

For further information on the IOE’s contribution to the B20, please contact IOE Senior Adviser, Mr Matthias Thorns, at [email protected].

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10 Feb, 2014

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