Rīga, Latvia – A major international forum addressing the rapidly evolving future of work in the age of artificial intelligence is underway today, bringing together over 700 leaders from across Europe and beyond. The forum, which began at 09:00 local time, centers on the transformative effects of AI on the labor market, the critical need for skills development, and strategies for preparing the European workforce for a latest economic landscape.
The event features high-level participation from government officials, business executives, technology innovators, academics, and civil society representatives. Discussions are expected to focus on navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, including potential job displacement, the demand for new skills, and the importance of lifelong learning initiatives.
A key figure attending the forum is Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society. This marks Zahidi’s first visit to the Baltic states, where she will share insights gleaned from the World Economic Forum’s influential research on the future of work, including the Future of Jobs Report, the Future of Growth Report, and the Global Gender Gap Report. Her work is widely used to inform policy and corporate strategies globally.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Prime Minister Evika Siliņa are also participating, alongside European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills Roxana Mînzatu. Representatives from major technology companies, including Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Europe Annette Kroeber-Riel, and leading economic organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (with Chief Macroeconomist Dr. Ekkehard Ernst in attendance) and the OECD, are also contributing to the discussions. Kathleen D. Kennedy, Executive Director of the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence, is also present.
The forum’s agenda addresses a critical juncture for Europe, as highlighted by Evita Simsone, Director of the State Employment Agency. “Europe is currently facing an ageing population, a shortage of talent, and fragmented education, training, and labor market systems,” Simsone stated ahead of the conference. “it is particularly essential to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and employers, promote lifelong learning, and provide people with clear and accessible career development pathways.”
Addressing Skills Gaps and Labor Market Fragmentation
A central theme of the forum is the urgent need to bridge the growing skills gap and address the fragmentation of education and labor market systems across Europe. Experts are expected to explore innovative approaches to reskilling and upskilling the workforce, ensuring that individuals have the competencies required to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This includes fostering closer collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to align training programs with industry needs.
Baltic States Embrace AI, But Education System Lags
The forum takes place as Latvia, and the wider Baltic region, increasingly recognizes the potential of AI. Yet, concerns have been raised about the preparedness of the education system to equip graduates with the skills needed for the future. Recent reports suggest that the current educational framework may be lagging behind the demands of a rapidly evolving job market, requiring significant reforms to ensure graduates are prepared for the “economy of tomorrow.”
The event provides a platform for sharing best practices and exploring policy solutions to address these challenges. Participants will examine strategies for promoting digital literacy, fostering innovation, and creating a more inclusive and adaptable workforce.
The livestream of the event is available here, and further information, including the full agenda, can be found on the forum’s website.
As the forum concludes, attention will turn to translating the discussions into concrete actions and policies. The outcomes of the event are expected to inform future strategies for navigating the challenges and harnessing the opportunities presented by AI in the European labor market.
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