Harnessing Technology for Inclusive Growth: GEYC gathering insights from the ECOSOC Partnership Forum 2025 – SDG 8
On February 5, 2025, the ECOSOC Partnership Forum convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss strategies for sustainable development. This year, the Forum focused on multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, along with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The discussions revolved around the challenges and opportunities posed by digital transformation, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI), with speakers addressing the need for inclusive economic policies, equitable technological access, and sustainable workforce strategies. The SENSE. project was represented in these conversations, by our colleagues from GEYC, Gabriel BREZOIU – General Manager and Adelina Dragomir – Head of Entrepreneurship & Employability, gaining valuable insights into how education and skills development can align with the future of work.
Bellow are some ideas that were expressed during the conversation
H.E. Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill: Building an Inclusive Digital Economy
H.E. Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, Director of the “International Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Research Collaborative” at the Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, emphasized the importance of a globally inclusive digital economy. He highlighted that while AI and digitalization bring significant productivity gains, they also present major challenges in terms of workforce displacement and economic inequality. AI is not just automating routine labor but is increasingly impacting knowledge-based jobs, raising concerns about how economies can adapt to this shift.
Mr. Gill underscored the need for continuous upskilling and reskilling as a critical response to these disruptions. He pointed out that while AI has the potential to increase efficiency, it must be complemented by proactive policies that support workers in transitioning to new roles. He also emphasized the importance of tripartite collaboration—governments, employers, and workers—to shape AI policies that balance economic growth with social stability. Without proper frameworks, AI-driven transformation could exacerbate inequalities, making it crucial to integrate fair labor practices and strong educational policies into digital economy strategies.
Ms. Sonya Janahi: The Role of MSMEs in Economic Resilience
Ms. Sonya Janahi, a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) governing body, focused on the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in economic development. MSMEs account for over 90% of businesses worldwide, providing 60-70% of global employment and contributing nearly 40% to GDP in emerging markets. Despite their significant role, these enterprises remain highly vulnerable to economic shocks, including those triggered by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and geopolitical instability.
Ms. Janahi stressed that to ensure sustainable growth and job creation, MSMEs must be provided with access to technology, financial resources, and an enabling regulatory environment. She highlighted the need for public-private partnerships that foster innovation while ensuring social protections for workers. Technology should not only serve as a tool for efficiency but also as a means to empower small businesses to scale, compete, and contribute to national economic resilience. She called for fair and balanced policies that protect workers’ rights while enabling businesses to innovate, stressing that economic sustainability and labor rights must go hand in hand.
Ms. Paola Simonetti: The Impact of AI on Workers’ Rights
Representing the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Ms. Paola Simonetti addressed the disruptions AI is bringing to the global workforce. Ms. Simonetti called for strong regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI-driven industries do not exploit workers or deepen inequalities. She stressed that the benefits of digitalization must be evenly distributed, with a focus on decent work conditions and protections against intrusive workplace surveillance. Social dialogue, collective bargaining, and international labor standards must be upheld and adapted to address the challenges AI brings to the workplace. She pointed to successful partnerships between trade unions and tech companies that ensure workers’ voices are included in shaping AI policy, emphasizing that technological progress must not come at the cost of fundamental labor rights.
Ms. Sarah Steinberg: AI’s Role in Job Creation and Economic Growth
Ms. Sarah Steinberg, Head of Global Public Policy Partnerships at LinkedIn, provided insights into the real-time shifts in the job market driven by AI and automation. She shared data from LinkedIn’s global network, highlighting how AI is reshaping job roles and skill requirements across industries. According to LinkedIn’s research, over 10% of today’s jobs did not exist 20 years ago, and AI-driven transformation is accelerating the creation of new employment opportunities.
Ms. Steinberg argued that AI is not just eliminating jobs but also driving economic growth through new roles in innovation and technology. She pointed out that businesses adopting AI for productivity gains have reported higher revenues and increased hiring, particularly in software development, data analytics, and AI-related fields. However, she cautioned that without strategic interventions, AI could deepen the digital divide. She called for lifelong learning initiatives, emphasizing that workers must continuously acquire new skills to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions is essential to prepare the workforce for AI-driven economies.
The insights from the ECOSOC Partnership Forum 2025 strongly align with the objectives of the SENSE. project, which seeks to prepare young learners and educators for the challenges of an evolving digital economy. By integrating STEAM education with an interdisciplinary and curiosity-driven approach, SENSE. equips students with the critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills needed in an AI-driven world.
As automation and AI reshape industries, the ability to ask questions, analyze data, and apply knowledge creatively will be more important than ever. The discussions at ECOSOC reinforce the urgency of upskilling educators and students alike, ensuring that future generations are not just consumers of technology but active participants in shaping its ethical and inclusive development. The SENSE. project remains committed to aligning education with workforce demands, fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment that prepares young people for meaningful careers in the digital economy.
By leveraging insights from ECOSOC, SENSE. will continue working towards a sustainable, skills-oriented future, ensuring that education remains a catalyst for economic empowerment and social progress.