The 4th UNCTAD Youth Forum will provide young people from all over the world a platform to discuss topics such as transforming industries, technological developments, and reimagining education. It will also help them develop soft skills so they can work together effectively in a digital future and contribute to the realization of the SDGs in their local communities and beyond.
Programme
9:00 - 10:00 Warming-up
10:00 – 11:00 Deep Dive – How to get a Job in the Age of the 4th Industrial Revolution
In the rapidly evolving global landscape, emerging technologies such as AI, automation, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, big data and others are reshaping industries and transforming economies. For young people entering the job market, understanding the impact of these transformative technologies is crucial to thrive in the employment landscape of tomorrow. These technological innovations offer exciting prospects for economic growth, but also bring forth critical questions about the future of work and ways we interact.
This session will shine a spotlight on how technological innovations are changing traditional job roles, how can young people adapt to the changing demands of the workforce and be supported in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by these emerging technologies.
11:00 – 11:30 Skills development – Negotiate your way (part 2)
Youth are invited to step forward to work on a fictive case and negotiate through a role play.
11:30 – 12:15 Youth Debate – Youth Powered Change Through Political Participation
Youth are an essential driver of change in our societies. Their enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and determinism for progress hold the key to addressing pressing global issues. However, they often remain on the sidelines in political processes.
This session delves into the importance of youth participation in the political processes.
12:15 – 12:45 Youth o’Clock
14:00 – 15:00 Deep Dive – The Power of Human Factors in a Digital World
In the dynamic and evolving new job landscape, soft skills have emerged as the key link between human capabilities and cutting–edge technology. While automation and AI are reshaping industries by replicating routine tasks and hard skills, the human factor cannot be replaced by machines. People skills, such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability and creativity empower professionals to create connections, collaborate, and address challenges. In this era of digital transformation, it is the mastery of soft skills that allows professionals to stand out, bringing the human touch to innovation and to the development of new technologies, problem-solving, and customer-centricity.
15:00 – 15:30 Skills Development – Leadership
A guest speaker will give insights on what it takes to create successful teamwork and collaboration in which people can grow and develop a career.
15:30 – 16:15 Youth Debate – AI for Good
Artificial Intelligence is an innovative technological tool at humanity’s disposal in the age of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Technological innovations offer exciting prospects for economic growth and development, but also bring forth critical questions as they proliferate in our economic systems. As societies navigate the evolving landscape of AI, we must put forward the ethical, societal, and economic questions that it presents and set forward pathways to utilize this new technology for good.
16:15 – 17:00 Youth Declaration Preparation
Through breakout groups, youth will be working on the preparation of a youth declaration that will be handed over to UNCTAD on 20 October 2023.
17:00 – 18:00 Entrepreneurship and Urban Development – Transforming Urban Ecosystems
Hear from Google, McKinsey and startup founders on what tomorrow’s cities
look like and how innovation can contribute to urban sustainability.
Speaker(s)
