Global framework on core skills for life and work in the 21st century (2021)

This report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) provides a framework for skills in a changing world, where new technologies, globalization, demographic shifts, environmental and climate change impact the future of work and life. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and crisis has tremendously accelerated the shift towards a digitalised workplace and society, but also increased existing inequalities and skills gaps.

To anticipate the skills needs for the future workplace, the ILO sets its focus on acquisition of skills, competencies and qualifications for all via lifelong learning,  ensuring that education and training systems are adapted to labour market needs and can support workers in making the best use of the opportunities available for decent work. Therefore, the ILO pays particular attention to the skills needs of vulnerable groups.

As there is currently no framework that addresses the impact of global drivers of changes and the pandemic on core skills, the ILO introduces a terminology, taxonomy as well as definitions for core skills for life and work in this report. The 4 categories of skills are comprised of social and emotional skills, cognitive and metacognitive skills, basic digital skills and basic skills for green jobs.