On 15-16 April, the city of Turin became a global crossroads for dialogue and innovation as it welcomed participants to the Pioneers Forum, an international gathering convened by ITCILO as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.

Framed by the theme of reimagining learning and capacity development for a more just and sustainable future of work, the Forum brought together global leaders, experts, and distinguished alumni to explore how learning and capacity development can meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world.

In his opening address, ITCILO Director Christophe Perrin issued a clear and compelling call to action: “Let us move forward with a spirit of collaboration and innovation. We must forge new pathways for capacity development grounded in technology, partnerships, and a human-centred vision.” With this declaration, the Forum set its tone, not only to reflect, but to envision and drive meaningful change

Day one of the Forum was anchored in global systems thinking, rooted in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The opening session, Critical Skills for Turbocharging the 2030 Agenda, featured Mehdi Snene from the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, who addressed the need for robust governance frameworks to ensure inclusive and equitable access to emerging technologies.

These themes were taken up by a high-level panel of UN agency leaders. ITCILO Director Christophe Perrin was joined by Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Executive Director of UNITAR, Miguel Panadero, Deputy Director of the UN System Staff College, and Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI. Their dialogue underscored the need for institutional agility, trust-building mechanisms, and ethical innovation to navigate a changing world of work.

In his concluding remarks for the session, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli, reaffirmed the nation’s enduring commitment to capacity development and social justice through multilateral cooperation: “Italy believes in the power of education, and a closer collaboration between all stakeholders is needed to promote decent work and advance social justice.”

Following, the session Digitalisation and Social Justice examined the implications of technological change for labour markets, education, and governance. In her keynote address, ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake articulated a critical insight: “The real impact of technology won’t be in how many jobs are lost, but in how work changes.” Held in the context of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, a panel of experts from CSP Resources, IBM, UNESCO, and Politecnico di Torino delved into the transformative potential of AI and quantum technologies, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive digital literacy and coordinated policy responses

As the morning drew to a close, the Forum paused to reflect and celebrate during the inaugural Pioneers Award Ceremony. This new honour, established to mark the ITCILO’s living legacy, recognized three outstanding alumni whose careers exemplify the transformative power of learning in advancing decent work and social justice.

Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director of the Federation of Kenya Employers, was commended for her leadership in fostering inclusive workplaces and  championing gender-responsive industrial relations across Africa. Zahoor Awan, President of the Pakistan Workers Federation, was acknowledged for his decades-long advocacy on behalf of workers and his leadership in advancing social dialogue at both national and international levels. The third awardee, Craig Barham, Chief Technical Director at the Office of the Cabinet of Jamaica, was honoured for his contributions to sustainable development and governance reform.

As ITCILO Deputy Director Paola Babos eloquently noted, “The Pioneers Award is a tribute to the Centre’s living legacy. We are not only honouring the past, we are celebrating the individuals shaping our shared future.”

On 16 April, the Forum shifted its focus from global frameworks to grounded, local implementation under the theme Turin Learning City for Social Justice. The second day took place across multiple venues in Turin, offering participants an immersive experience into how social justice and lifelong learning can be activated at the municipal and regional levels.

At the Arsenale della Pace, the session Inclusive Prosperity – The New Social Economy explored how cities can lead inclusive transitions through innovative governance and civic engagement. Co-organised by Sermig - Arsenale della Pace, Torino Social Impact, the University of Turin, and the City of Turin, this session highlighted solidarity-based economic models, public-private partnerships, and the pivotal role of local policy in fostering inclusive growth.

The dialogue continued at the Polo del ‘900 with How Do We Achieve Social and Labour Inclusion in Piedmont? Organised in partnership with workers’ unions and research institutions (CGIL, CISL, UIL, and IRES Piemonte), the discussion focused on structural barriers to employment, from demographic shifts to long-term unemployment. Participants emphasized that regional inclusion must be achieved through coordinated policy, strong social dialogue, and responsive labour market interventions.

In the afternoon, the session Another AI – Skills for an Attractive and Inclusive Territory was held at Opera Salesiana Valdocco. Organised with support from the Piedmont Region, the City of Turin, and several leading regional institutions, the event addressed the challenge of aligning digital skill development with local economic priorities. The focus was on retaining talent, creating lifelong learning ecosystems, and ensuring equitable access to new opportunities in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Throughout the day, a shared message emerged: just transitions are not theoretical, they are lived through local action, forged by communities, and made sustainable through inclusive, participatory governance

The Forum concluded with a powerful affirmation of its mission. Turin became the first city to join the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice, a milestone that symbolized the city’s long-standing partnership with the ITCILO and its broader commitment to inclusive development.

Deputy Mayor Michela Favaro presented the City’s letter of commitment, joined by the University of Turin and Politecnico di Torino, whose Vice-Rectors Egidio Dansero and Stefano Sacchi respectively, echoed the importance of embedding lifelong learning into local institutions. Sana de Courcelles, Director of the Global Coalition Secretariat, emphasized the indispensable role of local actors in driving the Coalition’s mission forward. ITCILO Director of Training Andreas Klemmer reinforced the Centre’s responsibility to foster a global community of learning that bridges institutions, sectors, and borders

In his closing remarks, Director Christophe Perrin encapsulated the spirit of the Forum: “Turin is not just a place of learning. It is a city where local leadership meets global ambition, and where lifelong learning continues to shape more inclusive futures of work.”