Driving the Digital Future of Public Employment Services
On 28 October, the World Association of Public Employment Services WAPES launched its new International Working Group on Digitalization, bringing together members from across the world to explore how AI and digital technologies are transforming Public Employment Services (PES).
On 24 November, we held our first thematic session, with excellent insights from the French and Italian PES, showcasing two ambitious national strategies shaping the future of labour-market services.
AI for inclusion, skills, and labour-market intelligence:
Italy highlighted how the digital transition is reshaping labour demand, with more than 50% of workers facing skills obsolescence and 4 in 10 companies struggling to recruit due to mismatch.
Three flagship innovations were presented that reflect Italy’s commitment to an ethical, human-centred adoption of AI, as outlined in its national guidelines for AI in the labour market.
France Travail shared its evolution from early AI initiatives in 2018 to a full Data & AI Directorate, supported by a strong governance framework, including an AI ethical charter, an ethical centre, and integrated GDPR oversight. France also emphasized its commitment to data sovereignty, responsible AI, and reducing environmental impact—key principles that guide all developments. For example, in an Île-de-France test 82% of young jobseekers adopted France Travail’s CEJ app that lets you voice-report activities with AI, and scored 4.7/5 on satisfaction.
Towards a shared global vision
This first session demonstrated how digitalization—when thoughtfully deployed—can strengthen inclusion, improve services for citizens and employers, and empower PES staff.
The Working Group will continue throughout 2025–2026, with more thematic sessions and a new WAPES Working Paper planned for 2026.
