AI skills for the future: A new UN training platform
Skills in artificial intelligence (AI) are in high demand. According to World Economic Forum predictions, AI and tech will create 170 million jobs by 2030. At the same time, they will displace an estimated 92 million jobs.
This means individuals, as well as companies, need to focus on reskilling and continuous learning.
To address the growing need for AI skills, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched a new training platform: the AI skills hub.
The new platform, unveiled by ITU’s AI for Good team on 4 March, consists of a comprehensive digital AI skills library and a courses portfolio that consolidates courses and materials from leading educational initiatives, United Nations partners and top researchers.
The skills hub enhances the offerings of the AI Skills Coalition recently formed by ITU with over 30 public- and private-sector partners. ITU aims to train 10,000 individuals through the new platform by the end of the year.
Anticipating, reskilling and upskilling
A global analysis from the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2023 suggested generative would likely augment rather than destroy jobs.
ILO – a fellow UN agency working with closely ITU – has defined “skills anticipation” as a proactive strategy that enables people in the labour market to identify and prepare for future needs.
This approach helps prevent imbalances between supply and demand for emerging skills, while keeping workforces ready for technological advancements.
According to the World Economic Forum’s new Future Jobs Report, 77 per cent of surveyed employers plan on reskilling and upskilling their workforce by 2030 to make greater use of AI systems.
AI skills experts from around the globe underline the need to integrate AI with human skills. This is consistent with the broader trend towards lifelong learning and embracing adaptive skillsets in the digital age.
AI Skills Coalition
The AI Skills Coalition aims to set future global benchmarks for AI education, upskilling and reskilling. Common challenges include defining AI skills, defining success, and addressing context-specific differences in AI education and training.
Further plans call for UN-led Global AI Certification and standardized AI competencies.
Additionally, the ITU-led coalition will soon offer customized training programmes addressing specific AI needs of government officials, diplomats, and tech professionals.
With its collaborative approach to skills and development, the AI Skills Coalition is also meant to show countries and corporations how they can best prepare for the future. In responding to emerging challenges today, the group also hopes to help shape and prepare the workforce of tomorrow, as well as ensure that the benefits of AI are broadly shared across economies worldwide.
Sign up to the AI Skills Coalition
AI for Good Global Summit 2025
AI skills will be at the forefront during ITU’s upcoming AI for Good summit between 8 and 11 July, with various AI training opportunities planned.
The summit takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, and is free for anyone to take part in person or online.
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