The transition to net zero emissions by 2050 will profoundly impact the labour market. While the overall effects on employment are estimated to be limited, many jobs will be lost in high emission industries and many new jobs will be created in low emission sectors. Moreover, climate-related events are increasingly disrupting economies and societies worldwide. This session at the OECD COP29 Virtual Pavilion will explore the implications of the transition to net zero on the labour market and discuss some of the initiatives countries and companies are taking. These initiatives include equipping workers with relevant skills through adult learning and vocational education, and training programmes, as well as supporting displaced workers with income support measures and active labour market policies.

Cancer causes one in four premature deaths in OECD countries and accounts for 10% of healthcare expenditure. But its impacts extend beyond the health system. Cancer negatively affects people’s mental health, work life and income. At a societal level, cancer reduces workforce performance and productivity. Using microsimulation modelling, this report shows how stronger action on cancer would yield broad benefits in 51 countries (including OECD, European Union and G20 countries). 

Key findings from a recent survey on healthcare providers’ perspectives on AI tools integration in routine care will be presented, including insights from 18 national Medical Associations as well as the World Medical Association, covering the benefits, risks and challenges. Following the presentation, a panel of experts will discuss innovative solutions and the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare across various countries.

Every two years, the Global Deal publishes a flagship report that offers key insights into how social dialogue is shaping more inclusive and sustainable labour markets. This year’s report presents 15 case studies that are grouped into 5 key themes: AI, just transition, transition to formality, occupational health and safety, and labour migration governance.

The OECD Youth Policy Toolkit aims to support policy makers by providing practical, concrete guidance for designing and executing youth policies for young people, featuring good practice examples from all 38 OECD countries. It covers diverse policy areas such as education and skills, employment and entrepreneurship, health and social inclusion, participation in public life, and intergenerational justice. The launch will bring together policy makers, young people, civil society and experts to discuss policies and practices in these areas, inspiring and encouraging innovation and reform within governments and beyond. It will include a high-level panel followed by interactive parallel sessions on each pillar. The launch event is hosted by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth.

Global health threats, as COVID-19 so clearly demonstrated, require both national and global actions. Alongside the need for strong health systems, global public goods (GPGs) for health – such as surveillance efforts, rapid development of and access to vaccines and treatments, and co-ordinated emergency responses – are proven ways to prepare, mitigate and respond to emerging health crises. But such actions require new and additional sources of financing, particularly as needs increase and fiscal constraints intensify. This event, organised by the OECD and the Global Health Centre (GHC) at the Geneva Graduate Institute, will discuss how to best finance GPGs without detracting from funding needed to strengthen health system resilience and achieve Universal Health Coverage.

Over two days, leading voices from policy, business, academia and civil society will explore the impact of AI on employment, skills, productivity and innovation, as well as how policy can adapt to these changes. Discussions will cover AI’s potential, its diffusion in various sectors, its impact on productivity, and the risks and opportunities for all workers. Participants will also address training systems for AI adoption in the workplace, the use of AI in public employment services, the link between competition and AI developments, high-stakes exams in the age of AI, AI incidents and much more.