Global Competence Education Key for Future of Workforce: Asia Society VP

TOKYO, December 15, 2015 — There is a critical need to develop students’ 21st century skills and global competence, said Asia Society Vice President of Education Dr. Tony Jackson in a keynote to the 18th annual OECD Japan Seminar in Tokyo last Thursday.

Jackson listed “four domains” of global competence: the ability to investigate the world, recognize perspectives, take action, and communicate ideas. These skills, he said, are what will prepare the students of today to become the leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow.

The seminar theme was “Education 2030” with a focus on 21st century competencies. The focus on 2030 refers to the fact that by that date, those who are beginning primary school today will start their professional careers and those who are in secondary school today will be the core group of the prime working age. The changes and challenges seen today—globalization, a digitalized world, climate change, demographic change—will continue in 2030 with ever increasing complexity.

Co-organized by OECD and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture, the event brought together education experts and leaders from Japan and around the world.

Asia Society's Center for Global Education is an official advisor to the Japan Innovative Schools Network, which seeks to explore examples of education reforms in countries around the world that develop students’ 21st century skills and global competence.