ASEAN boosts human resource development cooperation in a changing world of work

Hanoi (VNA) - The labour and education ministers of ASEAN will share information on policies, initiatives and achievements in promoting cooperation in human resource development.

A press conference on “the ASEAN High Level Conference on Human Resource Development for the Changing World of Work” (Photo: VietnamPlus)

ASEAN is committed to working closely on human resource development in line with the development of technology and the needs of employees and employers amid the changing world of work.

The information was released at a press conference on "the ASEAN High Level Conference on Human Resource Development for the Changing World of Work" held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on September 15 in Hanoi.

The ASEAN High Level Conference on Human Resource Development for the Changing World of Work will be organized both offline and online from September 15-16. It is chaired by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training.

Speaking at the press conference, head of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA)’s Department of International Cooperation Nguyen Manh Cuong said about 150 delegates are expected to take part in the online event from 70 locations. They include ASEAN labour and education ministers, the ASEAN Secretary General, chief representatives of international organisations and dialogue partners of the bloc in and outside the region, and representatives from the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council.

The meeting will also feature a special session of ASEAN labour and education ministers on September 16.

The offline event in Hanoi will see the participation of 150 delegates, including Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam; Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung; Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha; leaders of some ministries, agencies and research institutes; ambassadors from ASEAN member states, China, the Republic of Korea and Japan in Vietnam, and representatives from several universities, vocational schools, associations and businesses.  

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh said the conference aims to promote ASEAN cooperation in human resource development in line with requirements of employers and employees, and the development of technology, toward the future  of a united and cohesive ASEAN. It will also enhance partnerships between ASEAN and dialogue countries and donors in the development of human resources as well as produce specific outcomes to report to the ASEAN Summit in November.

At the opening session, in addition to presentations, the conference will officially adopt the roadmaps of the ASEAN Declaration on Human Resource Development for the Changing World of Work and the ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council.

Four discussion sessions will focus on partnership for human resource development, workforce development in post-pandemic era, the private sector’s leadership role in the field, and the education and training systems' readiness to boost skills in the 21st century.

The topics will be shared by ASEAN labour and education ministers, representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and the President of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

The conference will offer an opportunity for not only Vietnam but also ASEAN to take advantage of international cooperation on human resource development, connect skill education and training with the requirements of the labour market, contributing to implementing strategic breakthroughs in human resources in service of economic restructuring and sustainable development.

The event is also considered one of the important highlights during the ASEAN Chairmanship Year of Vietnam. It will be a special event as for the first time an ASEAN ministerial-level conference is held with the participation of both ministers in charge of labour and education of ASEAN member countries.

At the press conference, Cuong emphasised that Vietnam considers human resources development one of the three breakthroughs apart from institutions and infrastructure development. 

He noted that population aging, climate change and COVID-19 pandemic are strongly affecting the labour market. Therefore, human resources development is more important than ever, he said./.