s we step into the Intelligent Age, driven by AI, quantum computing, and blockchain, the central question is how we will work together to shape a future that benefits everyone. The World Economic Forum’s ‘Investing in People’ theme highlights the urgent need to reskill and upskill for a world transformed by technology. But collaboration—the heart of this transformation—cannot thrive without placing young people and education at the center of these discussions.
Reimagining Education for Collaboration
Collaboration demands skills that today’s education systems fail to prioritize: adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking. Yet education systems, designed for the industrial era, focus on rote learning and individual achievement. To prepare for a connected world, we must reimagine education as the foundation of lifelong learning.
But how many discussions at Davos will focus on education as the engine of collaboration? Without transforming these systems, reskilling and collaboration risk becoming privileges for the few. Education system transformation must be central to the ‘Investing in People’ agenda.
Young People at the Table
Young people are not just participants in the Intelligent Age—they are its architects. Yet, how many young people will be at the decision–making tables in Davos? What will the average age be on the mountain in January? Without their voices shaping policies, discussions on collaboration remain incomplete.
Intergenerational Collaboration
True collaboration requires intergenerational partnerships. Young people bring fresh perspectives and creativity; older generations bring institutional knowledge. Together, they can co–create solutions for a connected future.
Bridging the Divide
Collaboration is meaningless if billions remain excluded from the process. Many young people, especially in underserved regions, lack access to digital infrastructure and quality education. Bridging this divide must be a shared priority.
Collaboration Starts with Education
Education systems must evolve to reflect the demands of the Intelligent Age. Without fostering collaboration and innovation skills, investments in human capital will fall short. Education is the foundation of collaboration and must be prioritized.
The Intelligent Age is about people working together to shape a shared future. Transforming education and fostering intergenerational collaboration are critical to ensuring the benefits of this era are shared widely, not reserved for the privileged few.
We must invest in people from the very beginning of their lives, wherever they happen to be born.
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Young people, education core to collaboration for the Intelligent Age
Photo by Rene Bernal on Unsplash.
January 24, 2025
Transforming education and empowering youth are essential for fostering collaboration and equity in the techn-driven Intelligent Age, writes Euan Wilmshurst.
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s we step into the Intelligent Age, driven by AI, quantum computing, and blockchain, the central question is how we will work together to shape a future that benefits everyone. The World Economic Forum’s ‘Investing in People’ theme highlights the urgent need to reskill and upskill for a world transformed by technology. But collaboration—the heart of this transformation—cannot thrive without placing young people and education at the center of these discussions.
Reimagining Education for Collaboration
Collaboration demands skills that today’s education systems fail to prioritize: adaptability, teamwork, and critical thinking. Yet education systems, designed for the industrial era, focus on rote learning and individual achievement. To prepare for a connected world, we must reimagine education as the foundation of lifelong learning.
But how many discussions at Davos will focus on education as the engine of collaboration? Without transforming these systems, reskilling and collaboration risk becoming privileges for the few. Education system transformation must be central to the ‘Investing in People’ agenda.
Young People at the Table
Young people are not just participants in the Intelligent Age—they are its architects. Yet, how many young people will be at the decision–making tables in Davos? What will the average age be on the mountain in January? Without their voices shaping policies, discussions on collaboration remain incomplete.
Intergenerational Collaboration
True collaboration requires intergenerational partnerships. Young people bring fresh perspectives and creativity; older generations bring institutional knowledge. Together, they can co–create solutions for a connected future.
Bridging the Divide
Collaboration is meaningless if billions remain excluded from the process. Many young people, especially in underserved regions, lack access to digital infrastructure and quality education. Bridging this divide must be a shared priority.
Collaboration Starts with Education
Education systems must evolve to reflect the demands of the Intelligent Age. Without fostering collaboration and innovation skills, investments in human capital will fall short. Education is the foundation of collaboration and must be prioritized.
The Intelligent Age is about people working together to shape a shared future. Transforming education and fostering intergenerational collaboration are critical to ensuring the benefits of this era are shared widely, not reserved for the privileged few.
We must invest in people from the very beginning of their lives, wherever they happen to be born.
