WAPES International Working Group

AI & Digitalisation in Public Employment Services

The World Association of Public Employment Services International Working Group on Digitalisation and AI brings together a selected number of Public Employment Services to exchange experience and knowledge on digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence in employment services.

Initially established as a G7 working group on labour market challenges, the forum evolved following the United States’ withdrawal from WAPES. To ensure continuity, the group was reconfigured around the remaining G7 members within WAPES and expanded to an international dimension. From October 2025, it operates as the WAPES International Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation, with a strategic refocusing on AI and the digital transformation of public employment services.

The group was officially launched in October 2025 and has since held regular thematic online meetings. Members contribute practical case studies through monthly sessions. Initial work addressed artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity, followed by discussions on digital platforms, data and interoperability.

Members and purpose of the international group

The group is composed of Public Employment Services from Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
Its purpose is to support mutual learning through regular exchanges on national developments, challenges and good practices in digitalisation and artificial intelligence. The collective work of the group will feed into a joint publication that will be made publicly available by the end of September 2026.

Relationship to WAPES and way of working

The international group operates within the framework of WAPES and is distinct from the wider WAPES membership. It is designed as a focused, expert level collaboration that complements broader WAPES activities. The group works through regular meetings and thematic discussions, supported by shared background materials and voluntary contributions from participating members.

Purpose of the meeting on 25 and 26 March 2026

The meeting on 25 and 26 March serves as an in person working meeting of the International Working Group. It aims to deepen exchange among participants, explore practical experiences through case based discussions, and advance the collective work on shared insights related to digitalisation and artificial intelligence in Public Employment Services.

Previous related publications

• WAPES G7 Working Paper on Demographic Change – WAPES
• Catalogue of Actions: New WAPES G7 Group supports greening economies – WAPES