THE PIONEERS FORUM

Over the past six decades, the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) has been a pioneering institution in learning, training, and capacity development, helping institutions and individuals navigate a changing world of work. Established in 1964 as the capacity development arm of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ITCILO has led innovative approaches to training and capacity-building services for ILO tripartite constituents and beyond. Over the years, the Centre has contributed to shaping global approaches to learning and knowledge-sharing, advancing capacity development as a core function of the United Nations Development System.

As part of its celebrations for its 60th Anniversary, the ITCILO is organizing a series of events that to reflect on its legacy and chart its vision for the future, with the Pioneers Forum serving as a key platform for high-level dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action on the future of learning and capacity development, reaffirming ITCILO’s commitment to social justice and sustainable development.

The Pioneers Forum will bring together representatives from ILO partners and constituents, UN agencies, academia, as well as policymakers, industry experts, ITCILO alumni, and other stakeholders. It will explore how advances in learning, training, and capacity-building can drive progress towards sustainable development.

In alignment with the UN Common Approach to Capacity Development, and in preparation for the Second UN World Summit for Social Development, discussions will highlight emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of work and learning.

As societies adapt to technological innovation, economic transitions, and evolving labor markets, the need for increased investment in human and institutional capacities has become more urgent. The Forum will highlight the need to redouble these investments as a core priority for advancing decent work, while promoting human-centered approaches to social development at all levels of society.

• Shaping the future of learning: engaging dialogues on the role of capacity development as a driver of social justice and inclusive growth.
• Exploring cutting-edge innovations: insights into the latest technological advancements, AI, and quantum computing, and their implications for skills development and the future of work.
• Engaging with global leaders: an exclusive opportunity to connect with senior UN officials, policymakers, industry experts, and ITCILO alumni, driving impactful change on a global scale.
• Recognizing pioneers of social justice: celebrating individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing decent work and equitable development.
• Co-creating solutions for a just future: interactive sessions and workshops focused on developing actionable strategies for inclusive and sustainable learning ecosystems.

The opening day of the Forum sets the stage for bold ideas and high-level dialogue on innovation, critical skills, and digital transformation. It opens with a high-level discussion on critical skills to accelerate the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, featuring key voices from the UN system, including UNITAR, UNICRI, and the UNSSC. The agenda continues with an exploration of quantum technologies and their transformative potential for inclusive learning, anchored by a keynote from the ILO’s Deputy Director General.

Throughout the day, participants will reflect on the role of innovation, data, and foresight in shaping equitable development pathways. The programme also includes a celebratory moment recognizing three outstanding ITCILO alumni at the Pioneers Award Ceremony, followed by a collaborative workshop to reimagine the Centre’s future impact.

A high-level panel of UN agencies, including ITCILO, UNICRI, UNSSC, and UNITAR, will explore the role of innovation, digital transformation, data analytics, foresight, and behavioral science in shaping lifelong learning and sustainable development.

Open attendance session! 

This dynamic session features keynote speaker Celeste Drake, Deputy Director-General of the ILO, and an expert panel from IBM Quantum, UNESCO, and Politecnico di Torino. Discover what quantum breakthroughs mean for the world of work, and how institutions can prepare for the future.

Join us on 15 April 2025 from 11:00-12:30 CET.

Spots are limited — register now to secure your virtual seat.

This session is part of the webinar series Innovative Capacity Development Solutions to Promote Social Justice: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Accelerated Social Development.

This session will recognize distinguished ITCILO alumni who have made exceptional contributions to social justice, decent work, and sustainable development.

A collaborative and interactive session where participants co-create actionable solutions to ensure learning and capacity-building initiatives contribute to fair transitions and social justice.

On the second day of the Forum, the spotlight shifts to the city of Turin, transforming it into a living lab for social innovation, inclusion, and local-global collaboration. Framed under the banner of Torino Learning City for Social Justice, the day features a series of community-based events co-organized with the City of Turin, the Piedmont Region, universities, social partners, and civil society actors.

The agenda spans topics such as inclusive prosperity, the future of the social economy, labour and social inclusion in Piedmont, and the role of AI and skills in shaping an inclusive and competitive regional ecosystem. Events will take place across multiple iconic venues in the city, reflecting Turin’s leadership in advancing social development at the territorial level.

The day culminates in a closing ceremony that brings together ITCILO, local government, UN partners, and academic leaders to reflect on key takeaways and outline a shared vision for the future of learning and capacity development.

Open attendance session!

Held at the historic Sermig - Arsenale della Pace, this event celebrates Turin’s role as a pioneer in social innovation and cooperation. Organized in collaboration with the City of Turin, University of Turin, Torino Social Impact, and SERMIG, the session will explore the potential of the social and solidarity economy to promote inclusive development. Topics include the transformation of urban spaces, revitalization of peripheral areas, and the creation of future-facing solutions to meet social challenges. The event will also feature youth-led storytelling and city-level initiatives that connect social innovation to everyday life.

Join us on 16 April 2025 from 9:15-12:30 at Sermig - Arsenale della Pace, Piazza Borgo Dora 61, Turin.

Register now

Please note: this session will be held in Italian.

A deep dive into the challenges posed by demographic and industrial shifts, bringing together experts and policymakers to craft effective strategies for fostering inclusive employment and reducing inequalities.

A forward-looking discussion on how Torino can establish itself as a leading skills hub, ensuring stronger alignment between education, industry needs, and workforce development.

A synthesis session where key insights from the two-day forum will be presented, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between ITCILO, local governments, and global partners in shaping the future of learning and social justice.

For inquiries, please contact the ITCILO events team at pioneersforum@itcilo.org