The EMANES (EU-Mediterranean and African Network for Economic Studies) Annual Conference 2024, titled “Navigating New Frontiers: Digitalization, Labor Markets, and Societal Transformation in Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa,” took place at EMEA HQs at the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from December 11 to 13, 2024.

The conference was co-organized by EMANES and EMEA in collaboration with CEPS and brought together EMANES researchers and members, international economists, policy experts, and policymakers. A policy session was held on December 12, titled "Digitalization, Skills, and the Future of the Labor Market in Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa: Exploring Mobility and Opportunities."

During the session, a high-level panel of speakers discussed the profound impacts of global megatrends such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and climate change on labor markets and education systems. The discussions emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue and cooperation to build resilient and inclusive labor markets across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa.

Session Agenda

Moderator: Dr. Cinzia Alcidi - Senior Research Fellow, Head of the Economic Policy and Jobs & Skills Unit at CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies); Member of the EMEA Executive Board

Panel

  • Charles Crevier - Manager of the Social Protection, Governance and Tripartism Programme at the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization
  • Ekkehard Ernst - Chief Macro-economist at the International Labour Organization; President and Co-founder Geneva Macro Labs; EMEA Advisor
  • Jorge Miguel Bravo, Universidade Nova de Lisboa & Université Paris Dauphine - PSL and BRU-ISCTE
  • Ummunah Bardak - Senior specialist on labour market and migration at the European Training Foundation
  • Ines Duarte, Project Manager – Climate Finance Energy and Climate Action Division, Union for the Mediterranean
  • Hon. Nikolle Camaj - Representative of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, Montenegro delegation

Link to the video of the session