Future Leaders in the World of Work

The Future Leaders in the World of Work South-South University supports the next generation of leaders implementing South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) initiatives. It equips them with the theoretical and practical skills needed to devise systemic and integrated approaches to sustainable development that promote social justice and enhance sustainable development dividends for all.

Featuring a unique combination of high-level plenary sessions, elective courses, a study visit to Geneva, Switzerland, and envisioning sessions, the South-South University was a training ground for future leaders in the world of work to unpack issues lying at the intersection of Global South development priorities, SSTC, and the social dimensions of sustainable development.

The South-South University welcomed undergraduate, graduate students, young professionals and ILO constituents’ representatives (predominantly from BRICS+ countries) seeking to leave their mark within the broader space of multilateralism – national, international and non-governmental organizations, the social and solidarity economy, and social enterprises championing socially sustainable development on a global scale.

Over the course of the South-South University, participants produced contributions on the future of the world work they envision up to and after 2030. They also submitted project proposal designs for the advancement of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, thereby creating and devising sustainable solutions as youth, for youth.

Implemented in cooperation with the Emerging and Special Partnerships Unit of ILO PARTNERSHIPS, with substantial support from the Turin Centre’s Training Directorate, its CATALYST Initiative, and the Learning Innovation Programme, the South-South University is a stepping-stone in the ITCILO’s engagement with youth hailing in from BRICS+ countries. Developed with ITCILO knowledge partners and within the framework of the Turin School of Development, the South-South is a flagship activity of INTEGRŌ, the ITCILO facility for global competence development housed within the DEVINVEST Programme.

TOPICS COVERED

The South-South University featured plenary sessions, elective course tracks and envisioning sessions structured around topics including:

• Emerging Technologies and New Forms of Work in the Global South (TECH);

• Mainstreaming Inclusion, Combating Discrimination and Inequalities in the World of Work (I&E);

• Harnessing Data for Development in the Global South (DATA);

• Trade and Investment for More and Better Jobs across Global Supply Chains (T&I);

• Decent Work and Global Population Trends in BRICS+ Countries (POP);

• The World of Work and the Interplay with Climate and Nature (CLIM);

• Project Proposal Design for South-South and Triangular Cooperation;

• Future Foresight for the World of Work.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

The South-South University enabled future leaders to:

• Situate the ILO’s commitment to human-centred development initiatives across the Global South in the wider context of the UN System;

• Examine how Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) works to support the broader architecture of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

• Explore topics lying at the intersection of policy priorities in the Global South and across South-South and Triangular Cooperation projects and programmes in support of human-centred development;

• Devise sustainable solutions in the form of policy and decision-making considerations in preparation for the ILO World of Work Summit of 2025;

• Receive tailored career counselling and coaching for global careers supporting human-centred development.