Pact for Skills Forum: empowering Europe's workforce

The inaugural Pact for Skills Forum, held on 21 and 22 March 2024 at Les Ateliers des Tanneurs in Brussels, emerged as a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of enhancing skills and fostering talent across Europe.

Organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL), the event witnessed active participation, with over 470 individuals joining online and approximately 160 attendees present in person.

The forum served as a platform for lively discussions and insights, graced by the esteemed presence of two Commissioners, Nicolas Schmit and Thierry Breton, alongside high-level speakers from DG EMPL and the DG for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship & SMEs, including directors and heads of units. Moreover, over 40 speakers representing diverse European regions and industrial sectors contributed to the event's rich tapestry of dialogue and collaboration.

A highlight of the forum was the opportunity for participants to engage in three thematic workshops, each focusing on crucial aspects of skills development: ‘Attracting and retaining skills and talent’, ‘Supporting upskilling and reskilling through Individual learning accounts (ILAs)’, and ‘Addressing skills shortages: micro-credentials and Net Zero Industry Skills Academies’. These workshops facilitated meaningful exchanges and provided avenues for networking and collaboration.

Additionally, three panel discussions delved into pertinent topics such as ‘Working together to tackle skills shortages in the digital transition’ and ‘Sectoral experiences of implementing skills initiatives for the green transition’, offering valuable insights and perspectives from experts in the field. The forum also featured a World Café session, further fostering interactive exchanges and brainstorming on innovative solutions.

Overall, the Pact for Skills Forum underscored the EU’s unwavering commitment to promoting skills development and addressing workforce challenges. By bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers and industry leaders, the event not only showcased best practices but also catalysed collective action towards building a skilled and resilient workforce fit for the future.

Missed the event? Watch the recordings.

Download the post event report: