Setting the scene: The next era of jobs and local development 

Coastal and port communities are on the front lines of economic and environmental change. As hubs of global trade, tourism, and maritime industries, they face both the urgency of decarbonisation and the opportunity to lead in areas such as offshore renewable energy, green shipping, and sustainable tourism. At the same time, they have to manage growing climate risks, such as rising sea levels, the impacts of shifting global value chains and new trade dynamics, and – for many – enduring legacies of previous waves of industrial transitions. This session will explore how coastal and port communities are creating new jobs and transforming their economies, with a focus on leveraging opportunities in the green economy and the impacts of automation. From attracting investments to addressing skills bottlenecks, to sharing the benefits of growth more broadly, join us for practical insights from leading policy makers and experts from across the OECD.

Across Latin America, labour market inclusion remains a pressing challenge. More than half of workers in Latin America and the Caribbean are in informal employment, while youth unemployment and persistent gender gaps continue to limit economic opportunities. As AI, digitalisation, and climate transition reshape economies, the risk of deepening inequalities is real—but so are the opportunities to create more inclusive local, pathways to good jobs. This discussion will take an in-depth look at how place-based approaches can drive more inclusive labour markets. It will address issues such as maximising the potential of the popular economy to support economic resilience and social cohesion to how to make the most of new economic opportunities opened up by shifting global value chains.

In partnership with the Organisation of American States (OAS), this session will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping jobs, skills, and local economies across Latin America and beyond. As Generative AI and automation continue to evolve, industries will face significant shifts in skills demand, requiring workers to adapt to new roles and technologies. Cities and regions must take proactive steps to ensure their workforces are equipped for the future of work, from strengthening management and business skills that complement AI, to investing in digital skills, AI literacy, and STEM education. This discussion will examine where AI-driven changes are having the greatest impact and where they will continue to do so in the future, identifying sectors at risk of disruption as well as emerging opportunities. It will also explore the role of policymakers, educators, and businesses in preparing young people for an increasingly tech-driven labor market.

Care is a universal concern, and the demand for care services is skyrocketing globally. The OECD projects a staggering 32% increase in long-term care employment over the next decade to meet these growing needs. Despite this surge, care work remains undervalued and informal, with women comprising 85% of the workforce, often facing precarious conditions and earning less than their male counterparts. Amongst other strategies, the social and solidarity economy is primed to boost local job creation, formalise activity and jobs, and reach underserved communities. This session will explore innovative solutions, including from the social and solidarity economy, for offering quality services, decent jobs, and gender equity for caregivers. Join us to discuss cutting-edge solutions and policies that can help shape a care economy that truly works for everyone.

Cultural and recreational spaces are essential drivers of a vibrant night economy, shaping the identity of cities and fostering local development. From theatres, music venues, and nightlife districts to public spaces, galleries and creative hubs, the use of urban spaces after dark influences social interaction, economic prosperity, and community well-being. However, balancing cultural expression with regulation, accessibility, and sustainability remains a key challenge. This session will explore strategies for incentivising nighttime activities while ensuring they remain inclusive, accessible, and safe for all. Policymakers, business leaders, and cultural stakeholders must collaborate to strike a balance between economic growth and preserving a vibrant nighttime culture. Join us to discuss best practices and innovative solutions to support nighttime industries, address urban constraints, and promote safety while encouraging a night economy that benefits both residents and visitors.

A place’s brand is more than a logo or a slogan—it’s the story it tells the world. Place branding can help cities, regions, and countries redefine their identity, challenge outdated perceptions, and open new doors for local development via investment, tourism, and talent attraction. But to be effective, branding must be more than a top-down exercise—it must be an inclusive process that reflects local aspirations and identities. This session will explore the power of place branding as a tool for transformation. Building on successful examples, it will showcase strategies that make brands authentic and effective, demonstrating how they can evolve alongside shifting economic trends such as remote work, reshoring and sustainability.

When well-planned, major sports, business, and cultural events can generate both immediate and long-term benefits for local development. Beyond short-term economic gains from infrastructure investment, tourism growth, and contracts for local businesses, these events offer a platform to tackle broader development challenges. They can facilitate employment pathways for underrepresented groups and young people through tailored training, apprenticeships, and volunteering, enhancing long-term employability. Additionally, they can strengthen local SMEs, including circular, social, and solidarity economy enterprises, by improving procurement access and opening new markets. To enhance competitiveness as major event hosts and boost tourism, cities need to align event planning with broader development strategies. This includes investing in quality infrastructure, efficient transport, and diverse accommodation to ensure seamless visitor experiences. Strengthening local cultural and hospitality sectors through targeted training and business support can further enhance the visitor economy. Additionally, cities need to prioritise sustainability by promoting responsible tourism practices and minimising negative externalities. Guided by the OECD Recommendation on Global Events and Local Development, this session will examine how cities can maximise the impact of major events to foster sustainable local growth.

Across the OECD, one in eight young people (aged between 15 and 29) are not in employment, education or training (NEET). Rates are even higher in Latin America, reaching almost one in five. Young people also face a fractured geography of opportunity – in Colombia, for example, the NEET rate varies over two-fold across regions. This session will explore how innovative, place-based approaches can help bridge the gap between education and employment, such as smoothing school-to-work transitions and improving access quality vocational training that provides a path to good jobs.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems have become a cornerstone of economic development, fostering innovation, investment, and business growth. While general best practices in ecosystem-building are well established, the landscape is shifting. For example, while in the past, entrepreneurial ecosystems were built on local networks and referrals, future ecosystems will need to connect these networks across communities and countries. Future ecosystems will also need to empower entrepreneurs to use AI, VR, IoT, and AR through all stages of business formation and growth. Join us to examine how leaders can build on what works while embracing these emerging trends to ensure their ecosystems remain resilient, inclusive, and positioned for global success.

Labour informality remains a critical challenge in Latin America, despite considerable efforts to address it, more than half of workers in the region were in informal employment. While it is an obstacle to longer-term growth, competitiveness and productivity, informality also impacts workers’ health, safety and well-being, and hinders their access to training and skills development, as well as to social security benefits and labour rights. With high informality in some countries, the social and solidarity economy - closely linked to the popular economy, which includes informal and community-based activities led by self-employed workers, cooperatives, and small enterprises - offers pathways to formal employment. In particular, co-operatives, often easier to set up due to lower entry barriers and regulatory burdens, can help address issues such as poverty, unemployment and the informal economy. This session will explore the innovative solutions the social and solidarity economy offers to help Latin American economies transition towards more formal activities and worker security.

Applying a gender lens to local development isn’t just about equity—it’s a strategic imperative for building resilient, inclusive, and competitive communities. This demands more than targeted “pink” initiatives—policies across the board need to incorporate a gender lens. Women should not only be seen as targets of local development policies but also as active participants in shaping them. Their voices are essential in debates and decision-making processes to ensure strategies reflect diverse realities and drive meaningful change for all. This session brings together voices from government, business, civil society, and academia to discuss how strengthening women's participation and leadership is essential for resilient local development.

The private sector has a powerful role to play in advancing inclusive and sustainable local transformations. Beyond generating jobs and growth, businesses can support efforts to expand opportunities for disadvantaged populations, strengthen skills development, and direct corporate social responsibility efforts for collective, local impact. Business coalitions, chambers of commerce, and industry groups can provide continuity across political cycles and steer local development strategies that align with economic realities. However, private sector involvement must be balanced with strong public and community engagement to avoid risks such as lack of transparency or economic growth that undermines social progress. Given their local roots and mission-driven orientations, social economy organisations can also have a powerful role to play. This session will bring together business, community and policy leaders to discuss how to harness private sector leadership in ways that create broad-based benefits for communities.