World development report1998 - 99 C.2

The quickening pace of globalization and technological change provides both challenges and opportunities at a time when the global employment situation remains grim and levels of open unemployment and underemployment remain high in most countries. In taking advantage of these opportunities as well as in minimizing the social costs which the transition to a more open economy entails. the level and quality of skills that a nation possesses are becoming critical factors. The World Employment Report 1998-99 reviews the global employment situation and examines how countries in different circumstances and stages of
development can develop the best training strategy and flexible and responsive training systems to address these far-reaching changes. The report presents a close analysis of training systems worldwide and an examination of training strategies for increasing national competitiveness. improving the efficiency of enterprises and promoting employment growth. It critically examines policies and targeted programmes for improving women's employment opportunities and enhancing the skills and employability of informal sector workers and members of vulnerable groups (especially at-risk youth. long-term unemployed. older displaced workers and workers with disabilities). The report suggests specific policy reforms for making training more efficient and effective.
Given the rapid and continuous pace of change in the demand for new skills. the report concludes that training and lifelong learning need to be given the highest priority. The best results from enhancing the education and skill levels of the workforce are achieved in an overall growth-promoting environment and when training decisions are taken in close consultation between government, employers and workers.
The World Employment Report 1998-CJ9 is the third in a series of ILO reports which offer an international perspective on current employment issues.