Workforce Development for Knowledge Economy Workshop

Post-event Statement

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Background

Knowledge is one of the key resources for growth in the global economy. Knowledge together with the information and communications technology (ICT) provides many opportunities for promoting sustainable economic growth in many countries, as the generation of technical knowledge has positive impact on productivity growth. As technological change is transforming the way we live and work, it is vital that all citizens have opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to prosper in an information society.

The rapid developments of ICT and transformation to a knowledge-based economy have created robust demand for workers highly skilled in the development and use of ICT. A well-trained workforce is essential to the efficient acquisition, utilization, creation and dissemination of relevant knowledge and skills that tend to increase productivity and economic growth. Since education is a fundamental key to wealth creation and competitiveness in the global knowledge economy, our education and training providers will play a pivotal role in supporting all members of our society to adjust to the new environment and thereby contribute to the development of a vibrant knowledge-based economy.

Well-being of our member countries throughout the century will be determined by how well we prepare our students today. All educational stakeholders must collaborate in creating a new vision for education. Educational policy makers have an opportunity and an obligation to move forward with a new direction for teaching and learning in the 21st century, as policy makers have a pivotal role to play in this process.

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Objectives

The objective of the conference is to review major technological innovations, their impact on the international labor force and the skills mix required by knowledge workers.

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Outputs

• About 30 trained participants in policy planning for the knowledge economy
• Realistic strategies for promoting knowledge economy in their countries.
• Summary of proceedings.
• Workshop materials that can be converted into interactive CD-ROMs and published on the ADBI website

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Participants

Decision makers in government ministries of communications, economy, and planning of the member countries of ADB. About 30 participants will attend this conference from 20 countries. In addition, about 5 observers from the private sector and international agencies are expected to attend the conference.

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Language

English (No interpretation will be provided.)

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Responsibilities

Each participant is required to prepare a country report describing the use of telecommunications in their country and an action plan to implement telecommunications policies.

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Cosponsors

The workshop will be co-organized with Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training. Possible cosponsors are Asian Development Bank, Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education, IBM, International Labour Organization, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Microsoft, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

* These links take you outside the ADBI website.