In the Realm of Future Skills – International Conference on Skills Development

With strong participation from representatives of international organizations, the education community, the labor market, the business sector, and the academic community, the two-day international conference Future Skills Sphere, organized by the new Eugenides Foundation Institute on June 16 and 17, has concluded.

During the international conference, Athens served as the focal point and venue for a substantive dialogue on the future of skills, work, and education, which took place among high-ranking officials and  internationally renowned figures from institutions, organizations, and the academic community, such as the OECD, the World Bank, UNESCO, Cedefop, EUROSTAT, and the University of Oxford.

The two-day conference was held as part of the events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Eugenides Foundation, an organization that for seven decades has been investing in knowledge, education, and skills development, consistently helping to create opportunities for the younger generation.

In welcoming the participants, the President of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenidisemphasized that: "Skills development is the most important investment in the future of societies and economies. As he noted, at a time when artificial intelligence, the digital transition, and geo-economic developments are transforming the world of work, people’s ability to learn, adapt, and continuously evolve is becoming a critical factor for progress. Mr. Dimitriadis-Eugenidis emphasized that the different approaches represented by international organizations, the academic community, public administration, social partners, and industry all converge on a common conclusion: Technological progress can deliver real value only when it is accompanied by investment in human capital, knowledge, and skills. In closing, he emphasized that the Eugenides Foundation, remaining true to the vision of its founder, Eugenios Eugenides, seeks to serve as a bridge between education, technology, and the labor market, transforming knowledge into opportunities and skills into a catalyst for personal advancement, social cohesion, and sustainable development.” 

For his part, the Director of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Ioannis Goliasemphasized: "The Eugenides Foundation established the Training Institute to fill a critical gap in the labor market: the mismatch between the skills that workers possess and those sought by businesses. The added value of this initiative lies in its unique operating model. We don't start with a predetermined training program, but rather with the actual needs of the market. In close collaboration with businesses and institutions, we design targeted programs that address specific fields and skills, creating a meaningful bridge between training, employment, and productive growth.”

The major challenges shaping the future of work and learning, such as artificial intelligence in education, lifelong learning, microcredentials, the link between education and the labor market, apprenticeships, vocational education, and the skills required by the digital and green transitions—were the main pillars of the conference, effectively highlighting the value and necessity of skills in the professional world.

Among the keynote speakers at the conference were:

1. ElIzaMohamedou, Head of the OECD Center of Skills
2. AchimSchmillen, Chief Economist and Head of Human Development Programs, WorldBankGroup
3. Dr. SaraRatner, Head of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEOU), University of Oxford
4. Anastasia Pouliou, Expert on Qualifications and Credentials, FutureofVET, Cedefop
5. Athanasios Thanopoulos, Deputy Director-General, EUROSTAT
6. ClaudiaPompa, Program Specialist, Youth Literacy and Skills Development Section, Directorate of Lifelong Learning Policies and Systems, UNESCO
7. Olga Kafetzopoulou Secretary General for Vocational Education, Training, and Lifelong Learning of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports
8. Nikos Milapidis Secretary General for Labor Relations at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security 

El Iza Mohamedou of the OECD noted, among other things: "The question is not whether countries can identify the changes that are taking place, but whether they can respond to them in a timely and effective manner." Labor market data is constantly increasing, but it is not enough on its own to address the skills shortage. "They must be translated into policy priorities, reforms, and concrete implementation measures." 

Achim Schmillen of the World Bank stated: "We are not facing a single transition, but rather many simultaneous changes: technology, knowledge, demographics, climate, education, and work organization. These developments are putting increasing pressure on skills systems. "The challenge, however, is not just the change itself, but effectively connecting people, skills, and opportunities in the labor market."

Dr. Sara Ratner of the University of Oxford emphasized: "I firmly believe that understanding artificial intelligence and how technologies such as large language models work is now essential for young people to succeed successfully in today’s world. If that is what we mean by the term “AI literacy,” then it is something we all need to cultivate. However, I am concerned about the tendency to define this concept in an overly restrictive way, since artificial intelligence is indeed a powerful tool today, we have no way of knowing exactly what tools will be available in five or ten years.” 

Anastasia Pouliou of Cedefop pointed out: "Education, in the traditional sense of the term, remains important and essential; however, it is no longer sufficient on its own to meet the needs of the modern labor market. Every national qualifications system needs to evolve and become more flexible, thereby enabling a meaningful learning journey, since, ultimately, what matters is what each person can demonstrate and put into practice today.  For this reason, qualifications, skills, and curricula must be constantly updated so that they remain aligned with technological advancements and the needs of both the economy and society.”

Olga Kafetzopoulou , Secretary General, E.E.K. & D.B.M. Secretary General E.E.K. & D.B.M. The Ministry of Education, Research, and Religious Affairs stated: "The major challenge in the coming years is not simply to educate more people. Our goal is to create a system that will constantly learn, constantly adapt, and constantly collaborate. A system in which the government, businesses, social partners, and education providers do not operate in parallel, but together. This is the true meaning of a responsive vocational education and training system. The skills of the future aren't just predicted. They are designed, developed, and built through collaborations. And while the past decades have been marked by efforts to bring education closer to the labor market, we believe the coming decade should be characterized by something more ambitious. "Let's design vocational education and training in collaboration with the labor market."

Nikos Milapidis , Secretary General for Labor Relations at the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, noted: “Given that balances and relationships in traditional sectors of the economy are being disrupted, we must equip workers with such skills starting in school and throughout their lives, with the ability to learn and relearn, so that they remain competitive and valuable in a changing world.”

In conjunction with the conference, specialized Masterclasses were held, featuring hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies and a certificate of attendance from the Eugenides Foundation’s accredited Center for Lifelong Learning. Participants had the opportunity to learn about modern applications in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, industrial automation, XR/VR technologies, maritime education, and financial practices in international shipping. 

The Future Skills Sphere highlighted the importance of collaboration among international organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and policymakers, reaffirming that skills are the key to sustainable development, employability, and social progress in the coming decades.

Building on its 70-year legacy of service, the Eugenides Foundation continues to invest in knowledge, education, and the creation of opportunities for the younger generation, actively contributing to the development of the skills of the future.

70 Years of the Eugenides Foundation

The year 2026 marks a milestone for the Eugenides Foundation, as it celebrates 70 years of uninterrupted and multifaceted contributions to education, knowledge, and the development of skills among the youth of our country. This 70-year journey was the result of a collective effort. A journey shared with thousands of people: students, teachers, families, scientists, technicians, and professionals. A journey that kept knowledge alive, open, and accessible to everyone. A journey that paved the way. Which provided direction. Which shaped a better tomorrow. Because the future doesn't just happen. We're shaping it together. And the future has a history.