International conference on the Integrated Approach to Skills Concluded in Shanghai
The international conference on Integrated Approach to Skills: Designing and Financing Effective Strategies co-organized by OECD, ADBI, and AFDC concluded on September 29, 2011 in Shanghai. Delegates from over 23 economies had in-depth discussions over skills and human resources development during the three-day event. On behalf of the organizers, Dr. Li Kouqing, Deputy Director-General of AFDC, Dr. Xing Yuqing, Director of Capacity Building and Training Department of ADBI and Giguere Sylvain, Head of Local Economic and Employment Development Division of OECD, delivered opening speeches at the conference. The opening ceremony was chaired by Director of AFDC Dr. Peng Runzhong.
Skills development is a central element of strategies to lift both competitiveness and living standards. It aims to bring the workforce to levels that help local economies seize opportunities provided by innovation and globalization. It contributes to building better jobs, raising income prospects and nurturing overall prosperity. In developing Asia, skills development has particular importance as it can assist in shifting the export-based model to a more domestic/regional markets oriented.
However, many developing economies also face new challenges on skills development in the post-crisis context. Problems such as the mismatch between human resources policies and vocational training have hindered the effective implementation of human resources development strategies. How integrated skills strategies can be designed in practice? What is the role of various stakeholders? What are the implications for ministries of labour, education and the economy? How can integrated skills strategies be financed? How can successful partnerships between education and industry be built, reaching SMEs in both the formal and informal economy? How to build the necessary data? The meeting was organized in an attempt to answer these questions.
The meeting consisted of four sessions: building integrated strategies, setting-up effective partnerships, financing skills strategies, and lessons for skills policy frameworks. To enable the delegates to have a better understanding of China’s experience and practices in skills development, some sessions were specially designed by AFDC to introduce the practices and achievements made by the Shanghai Municipal government and Wuxi Municipal government on bringing up financial talents and China’s policies and strategies on human resources development. In addition, a field trip to Zhangjiang Hi-tech Industrial Park was arranged by AFDC. The delegates had friendly discussions with general manager of the Park Mr. Gu Yiwei to gain first hand experience of how an integrated approach to skills is implemented there.
