ECOSOC Special Meeting Automation and digitization and their impact on women and young people
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In an ever-changing environment where technology is becoming increasingly important, the challenge of ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future that leaves no one behind was the focus of discussions during the Special Meeting of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held on January 23-24, 2024 at ECLAC’S headquarters in Santiago, Chile. Under the theme "The Future of Work: Towards a Global, Productive, Inclusive and Sustainable Society," participants, including government representatives, international organizations, and academics, shared their views on technology and current challenges.
This meeting served as a platform for exchanging ideas and generating policy recommendations, in line with the spirit of the General Assembly's "Political Declaration of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development." Concerns revolved around future pathways in the face of a rapid and unprecedented labor market transformation driven by technological advances, new production models, and demographic changes, which shape the current scenario.
Although these global trends have benefited specific sectors, they have also had a negative impact on the most vulnerable. A clear example is automation and digitalization, which present risks such as unemployment, migration, aging of the economically active population, and the growing need for care jobs.
The panelists stressed that, although the technological revolution brings expectations and uncertainties about the future of work, it is crucial to ensure the implementation of decent work, integrating it with education and social protection. Jesús Etcheverry, from the Chilean Ministry of Science, commented on the significant technological impact and the marked digital divide, especially in terms of access and digital skills between women and men and among populations with low levels of digitalization, such as rural or disadvantaged populations, thus introducing a gender perspective into the discussion.
Participants highlighted the gender gap, stressing the need in Latin America for women to move towards education and training in emerging technologies by promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and greater female labor formality through specific policies. UN Women highlighted the importance of private sector participation in reducing gender inequality.
Finally, we cannot discuss the future without focusing on youth, given that it belongs to them. There are significant challenges, such as the high rate of youth unemployment, higher than that of adults, as Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs of the United Nations, mentioned. Investing in young people to equip them with adaptive skills for future employment is crucial, which requires a transformation and adaptation of the education system. Another emerging challenge is the mental health of young people, a vital aspect that must be addressed through policies focused on children and adolescents.
You can watch the entire meeting here
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