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The World Employment Report 1998-99 is the third in a series of
ILO reports which offer an international perspective on current
employment issues. The report was released on September 23, 1998 and is
available from the ILO Publication Department in
English,
French,
Spanish
and Chinese.
SUMMARY
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.
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