ICMPD, under the framework of the MIgration EU expertise+ (MIEUX+) Initiative organised the High-Level Panel ‘Human capital and mobility at the service of the green economy’ as part of the official programme of the 14th edition of the ‘European Development Days.
The 2021 edition of the European Development Days explores the connection between human and inclusive development of the 2030 Agenda and the new growth strategy enshrined in the European Green Deal.
Journalist Mariam Zaidi moderated the panel, which featured Michael Spindelegger, ICMPD’s Director-General, Mohamed Sadiki, Mayor of Rabat, Fridah Ntarangwi, founder of start-up accelerator ZidiCircle and Kishore Gopal Reddy, EDD Young Leader as speakers.
On the topic, ICMPD Director-General Michael Spindelegger stated, "A significant number of jobs are projected to be created by the transition to what has been dubbed the green economy – it is a good time for European Union Member States and its partners to envisage what the future could look like for mobility worldwide. Green education and skills are the foundation upon which this transition should be built on”.
Human capital - New skills for the green economy
The transformation towards green and sustainable economies relies on the development of knowledge and skills as way to empower people. The green-tech Twin Transformation offers great potential for new activities and jobs; therefore, a nuanced reflection about the development of skills, knowledge and competencies that will be in demand in the future and, in turn, on how this would affect human mobility, is needed. What new skills will be in demand and which others will phase out? How can governments, businesses and education institutions prepare the workforce for this transition?
Mobility - A ripple effect for migrants and migration
As countries increasingly transform their economies to become green and more sustainable, labour markets and employment opportunities will go through an adaptation period, with a ripple effect on internal, regional and international migration flows. What will the realignment of economic targets and adaptation of industries mean for the estimated 164 million international migrant workers and growing (ILO 2018)? How will key sectors of migrant employment, such as agriculture, construction, and tourism, affect and be affected by the “greening” of practices and objectives? These were some of the main areas that the panelists discussed during 60 minutes focusing on perspectives from Europe, Africa and India.
Work with ICMPD on the green economy and migration
Under the umbrella of Global Initiatives, ICMPD coordinates a portfolio of programmes funded by the European Union that can turn these debates into actionable and practical projects to support migration partnerships between the EU and partner countries.
Interested partners and other actors can find out more information from the respective websites of MIEUX+, the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF), and EU Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF).
---