Skills for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Asia and the Pacific

Jobs and skills are pressing challenges for developing countries. Paradoxically, there is also a growing concern of skills mismatch. How do skills training systems support skills acquisition and continued upgrading? How does the education system interface and interact with labor markets and industries to coordinate skills development with changing industry needs? What are good practices and lessons from different countries and regions that can better inform skills development policy making? These are some of the questions that were addressed at the ADB-sponsored International Consultative Forum on Skills for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Asia-Pacific in Manila, 12-13 December 2011. The event brought together diverse top-level professionals in government, the private sector, and academia. A range of issues on strengthening skills development systems and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) were discussed at the forum, particularly in the context of advancing inclusive growth and increasing employment. This brief has been prepared by drawing on papers presented and key messages discussed at the forum.