The conference brought together 57 global TVET actors including training providers, policy-makers, national bodies and industry representatives at the Boma conference centre to jointly address the growing demand for green and digital competencies in the hospitality and tourism sector. More than 200 online participants joined the broadcast and made their contributions to the discussions via a virtual conference platform.
Participants at the Boma International Conference Center, Nairobi © UNESCO/Cynthia Meru
BILT Atlas of emerging trends in new qualifications and competencies
A new digital resource, Atlas of emerging trends in new qualifications and competencies in TVET, was launched on the first day of the conference to provide background for the peer-learning sessions.
The Atlas builds on the findings of a 2021 BILT survey and brings together the latest data and trends in relation to the identification, integration, and implementation of emerging green and digital skills in the African context. TVET practitioners are invited to consult this resource, which offers case studies and opportunities for action, to build modern TVET systems and respond to major shifts in the world of work.
To further stimulate inter-regional knowledge exchange, the BILT Atlas will shortly be expanded to cover the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions.
How is the movement towards digitalization and greening changing the hospitality and tourism sector?
A major trend resulting from the digital transformation is increased efficiency, including automation of certain tasks, reduced costs, increased convenience for guests, and enhanced accountability and transparency. Furthermore, companies gain a better client reach and exposure due to the incorporation of digital tools and platforms. Driven by the growing demand for sustainability, customers become more conscious about their decisions and the efforts made by industry to contribute to green societies and economies.
Occupational profiles would have to change substantially with the movement towards the dual green and digital transition. In many cases, the transition requires a whole new skillset for employees within the sector. An overwhelming number of conference participants stressed the need for investment in order to upskill the current workforce and to keep up with the demand for digitalization and sustainability.
From reflection to action: BILT expert group on dual green and digital transition (2023-24)
A main goal of the conference was to define the scope and focus of a new BILT expert group, which will support TVET implementers to deliver the dual transition in the tourism and hospitality sector.
To address changes in occupational profiles caused by the dual transition, some of the key action priorities set by experts were the upskilling of teachers and trainers, and the undertaking of market needs assessment in collaboration with the private sector. To support TVET implementers in this regard, the expert group proposed establishing a guiding document with key content to be addressed, as well as publishing a catalog of best practices and benchmarks worldwide.
Visual summary: Concept meeting of the BILT expert group on the dual green and digital transition
Way forward - outlook 2023
The members of the BILT Community and other interested TVET stakeholders are invited to join the Bridging Event for Asia and the Pacific in June 2023 and the BILT Learning Forum in Bonn, Germany, in November 2023 (tbc). The focus sector and themes will continue to be green and digital qualifications and competencies for hospitality and tourism. In the meantime and throughout the year, BILT will identify and publish relevant innovative practices and carry out Learning Labs to support TVET stakeholders in their efforts to modernize their TVET systems.
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Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority
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and co-hosted by
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