Events

Online @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@02 October 2025WEBINAR "The World of Public Employment Services" - a presentation of the PES in Peru Online, 02 October 2025, from 17:00 to 18:00 CET This webinar will focus on the dynamics of the workforce in Peru, providing an overview of the country's labour market, the role of Peru's public employment service, and other exciting topics. Join us to discover how these elements shape Peru's employment dynamics in complex ways. The event will be held in English, but interpretation will be available in French and Spanish. SpeakerDr. Rossana Taquía Gutierrez the General Director of the National Employment Service of Peru Dr. A lawyer and public–private management expert, she brings over 25 years of experience in employment, social responsibility, and sustainable development. At the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion (MTPE), she led national programs such as Impulsa Perú and Perú Responsable. She has also worked with international organizations (ILO, IOM, IDB, Helvetas) on projects related to higher education, employment promotion, productive initiatives, gender equality, and business & human rights. She is a university professor at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, teaching Business Law, Corporate Law, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Sustainable Development.

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@14 & 15 October 2025 WAPES European Regional ConferenceDefending the Future Effective workforce development to deliver better recruitment, retention, and reintegration outcomes for the defence and security services Venue: Riga, LatviaLanguage: EnglishTarget audience: Member countries of the WAPES Europe region and stakeholders. The WAPES European Regional Conference 2025, hosted by the State Employment Agency of Latvia (NVA), provides a timely opportunity to explore how effective collaboration between Defence & Security Sectors, the Public Employment Services and their partners can deliver sustainable employment, health and social inclusion outcomes. Program 13 October 202514 October 2025 Skills for Defence and Security – Strategic Workforce DevelopmentForecasting and Closing the Defence Skills Gap – Mapping, Mobilising, and Retaining TalentPES–Defence and Security Strategic CollaborationWorkshops A : PES-Defence and Security Partnerships, Innovative Recruitment Strategies Plenary roomWorkshop B : Addressing Skill Shortages in Defence and Security: Best Practices and Case Studies Room D15 October 2025 Innovation in Defence and Security Sector SupportFrom Service to Civilian Life – Reintegration and Reskilling to Meet Labour Market NeedsWAPES European Regional ConferenceDefending the Future Effective workforce development to deliver better recruitment, retention, and reintegration outcomes for the defence and security services Venue: Riga, LatviaLanguage: EnglishTarget audience: Member countries of the WAPES Europe […]

Online @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@30th October 2025WEBINAR : Fair Recruitment in a Digital Age: Migration, Labour Rights & the Role of Public Employment Services Online, 30 October 2025, from 12:00 CET In a world of increasing labour mobility and rapid digital transformation, ensuring fair and ethical recruitment is more important than ever. This webinar brings together voices from Public Employment Services, workers' organisations, international institutions, and research to explore how migration flows, digital tools, and global labour standards intersect. In this context, the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are co-hosting a webinar focused on fair recruitment in the digital age. This webinar will also feature a country case study from the National Employment Authority of Kenya, highlighting the effective measures they have taken in order to increase fair recruitment. The event will be held in English, but interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish.SpeakerMaria Gallotti Labour Migration Specialist – (Fair Recruitment Initiative Coordinator)- Labour Migration Branch·International Labor Organisation, ILO Maria Gallotti has worked at the ILO since 2000 in the fields of gender equality, labour migration and fair recruitment. Prior to joining the Labour Migration Branch in […]

Online @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@05 November 2025WEBINAR, the world of PES: presentation of the Azerbaijan PES Online, 05 November 2025, 12pm CET This webinar will focus on Azerbaijan's workforce dynamics, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's labour market, the role of the Public Employment Service of Azerbaijan, and other fascinating topics. Join us as we explore how these elements intricately shape employment dynamics in Azerbaijan. The event will be held in English, but interpretation will be available in French and Spanish. Speaker M. Hasil Abbasov Vice-Chairman of the Board of DirectorsNational Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population,Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Hasil Abbasov currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board of the State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He brings extensive expertise in labor market policies, workforce development, and organizational transformation. Prior to this role, Mr. Abbasov was Deputy Chairman of the Managing Board of the National Observatory on Labour Market and Social Protection Issues from 2023 to 2024. In 2022, he served as Director of the Asan Innovative Development Center, and in 2019, he headed a unit within the […]

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@06 & 07 November 2025 WAPES Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2025   Theme: The Future of Work: Inclusive Public Employment Services Adapting to Demographic Realities in the Asia-PacificProgram 05 November 2025 06 November 2025 Preliminaries Prayer/Interfaith (Doxology) National Anthem Bagong Pilipinas Hymn Opening Production Number Acknowledgement of Attendees Welcome Remarks Ms. Greta Metka Barbo Skerbinc , WAPES President (Online) Message of Support Ms. Luningning Y. Vergara , PESOMAP National President Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific to be represented by Mr. Khalid Hassan, Country Director for the Philippines, International Labour Organization Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, Department of Labor and Employment, The Philippines Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Department of Labor and Employment His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines (Video Message) Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, Department of Labor and Employment Pivotal Role of Public Employment Services to boost older workers' employability in an Aging Society Open Forum Moderator: Assistant Secretary Joel M. Gonzales, Department of Labor and Employment Speakers: Ms. Neha Prakash, Director Employment Indian Administrative Service, India (Video) Ms. Sulinda Nur Ramadhanti, Employment Public Service Officer Ministry of Manpower, Indonesia Mr. Koh Yamada, Labour Policy Advisor Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan   […]

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@18 & 19 November 2025WAPES Managing Board (MB members only) Ljubljana, Slovenia | 18 - 19 November 2025 The President of WAPES, Ms. Greta Metka Barbo Škerbinc, invites all WAPES’ Managing Board Members to attend the first meeting of the newly elected Managing Board. The eighteenth will begin with a dynamic session designed to foster exchange and mutual learning among Board members. The agenda will include discussions on the 2026 activities and budget, as well as the new long-term strategy. The nineteenth is an optional day dedicated to exploring the Slovenian Public Employment Service (PES), including a visit to a local job center. Place : Ljubljana, Slovenia Agenda 5 May 2025 6 May 2025 Congress 7 May 2025 Welcome from the Mayor of Abidjan Speech by the AEJ Administrator Words from Ms Imane Belmaati, President of WAPES 2018-2022, DG of ANAPEC, PES of Morocco The new President of WAPES Words from the Honorary President of WAPES, Mr Camille Mouté à Bidias, CEO of the FNE, PES of Cameroon Words from the Minister for Youth Promotion, Professional Integration and Civic Service of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire World demographic trends: Presentation of the 2024 world population projections The different facets of […]

20th November 2025ALMPS AND PES IN FRAGILE, CONFLICT AND POST-CONFLICT CONTEXTS In fragile, conflict and post-conflict settings, creating sustainable employment is especially challenging due to instability, weakened institutions, and limited private sector activity. Yet, jobs are essential for recovery, resilience, and social cohesion. Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) and Public Employment Services (PES) play a crucial role in helping workers access opportunities, supporting labour market transitions, and strengthening inclusive growth. In this context, the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES) and the European Training Foundation (ETF) are co-hosting a webinar focused on the role of Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) and Public Employment Services (PES) in fragile, conflict and post-conflict settings. The session will provide an overview of how these measures can be designed and adapted to address labour market challenges in such environments, and will feature a country case study that highlights practical experiences, lessons learnt, and strategies to foster employment, resilience and social cohesion Interpretation: French, Spanish and Russian Program Moderator Eva Jansova, ETF Amandine Moignard, WAPES Cristina Mereuta, ETF Nayera Adly Husseiny, Senior Policy Manager Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, J-PAL MENA Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., Director, Philippine Department of Labor and Employment – Bureau […]

Online 03 December 2025WEBINAR: Building the Digital Path to Responsible AI for Public Employment Services Online, 03 December 2025, 13:00 CET Join WCC and WAPES for a two-hour webinar exploring how digitalisation and responsible AI are transforming public employment services worldwide. With expert insights and real-world case studies from Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Europe, we’ll discuss practical strategies for preparing labor markets, empowering caseworkers, and strengthening workforce readiness. The event will be held in English, but interpretation will be available in Spanish and French.Webinar Agenda 13:00 – 13:05 Welcome & Opening Remarks (5 mins) 13:05 – 13:25 Part 1 Digitalization and use of AI in PES (20 mins) Dr. Willem Pieterson (Researcher & Domain Expert) 13:25 – 13:30 Poll question (5 mins) 13:30 – 13:50 Part 2 Data, Digitalisation, and Responsible use of AI (20 mins) Dr. Alexander Hogenboom (CTO, WCC Group) 13:50 – 14:00 Q&A with Domain experts (10 mins) Open discussion with Dr. Willem Pieterson and Dr. Alexander Hogenboom after the first 2 presentations. 14:00 – 14:15 Part 3 Digital Transformation of Public Employment Services in Malaysia (15 mins)M. Ir. Ts. Mohamad Fahrurrazi Bin Kamaludin (Head of Labour Market Modelling Section, Malaysia PES PERKESO) 14:15 – 14:20 Poll […]

Online 3 February 2026WEBINAR: Future Skills for PES Counsellors Preview of findings from the forthcoming WAPES research paper Evidence and practice from Germany and South Korea Digitalisation and AI are reshaping labour markets and the role of Public Employment Services. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, PES counsellors are expected to focus more on personalised guidance, collaboration, and the effective use of digital and AI-enabled tools. This webinar presents early insights from the global WAPES survey and upcoming research paper on future skills for PES counsellors, conducted with the University of Derby and Manchester University and supported by Deloitte. Participants will: • Explore key emerging trends shaping future PES skills• Learn from practice examples from Germany and South Korea• Gain provider insights on adapting workforce skills and service delivery in a digital labour market Languages: The event was held in English, with interpretation available in French and Spanish.Webinar AgendaWelcome to participants, brief introduction of WAPES, framing of the webinar and its aims within the Future Skills for PES Counsellors study. Introduction, Mme Emma Monster,WAPESRemarks on Deloitte’s supporting role in the research and why future skills for PES are a priority topic. Marie Serrano, Managing Director of Social Services, Deloitte, PortugalOverview […]

Online 3 February 2026Future Skills for PES Counsellors Preview of findings from the forthcoming WAPES research paper Evidence and practice from France and Slovenia Digitalisation and AI are reshaping labour markets and the role of Public Employment Services. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, PES counsellors are expected to focus more on personalised guidance, collaboration, and the effective use of digital and AI-enabled tools. This webinar presents early insights from the global WAPES survey and upcoming research paper on future skills for PES counsellors, conducted with the University of Derby and Manchester University and supported by Deloitte. Participants will: • Explore key emerging trends shaping future PES skills • Learn from practice examples from France and Slovenia • Gain provider insights on adapting workforce skills and service delivery in a digital labour market Language The event will be held in English, with interpretation available in French and Spanish.Webinar AgendaWelcome to participants, brief introduction of WAPES, framing of the webinar and its aims within the Future Skills for PES Counsellors study. Amandine Moignard , WAPESRemarks on Deloitte’s supporting role in the research and why future skills for PES are a priority topic. Alia Kamlani , DeloitteOverview of the international Delphi study […]

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@10 March 2026WAPES Communication and Information Network Meeting (network members only) Online | 10 June 2026As part of the implementation of the WAPES 2026–2035 strategy and in preparation for the 40th anniversary of our Association in 2028, the WAPES Executive Secretariat is relaunching and restructuring the Communication and Information Network. This network aims to support WAPES communication efforts, “by members and for members”, around several strategic priorities: • strengthening member retention and engagement with the Association; • supporting the recruitment of new members and associate members; • increasing the international visibility of WAPES, its activities, and Public Employment Services; • co-constructing the WAPES 40th anniversary narrative and supporting communication actions related to the 2028 World Congress. The Communication and Information Network is designed as a light strategic circle of experts, mobilised in a targeted manner on high value-added topics, in line with WAPES strategic orientations. Information regarding this meeting will be sent to members by email.

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@25th and 26th March 2026WAPES 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 […]

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@31 March 2026WAPES Executive Committee (executive committee members only) Online | 30 March 2026

Brussels@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@14 to 16 April 2026Feature on the Class of 2026INTERCULTURAL TRAINING SEMINAR Intercultural competence is a key skill for truly connecting with one another in today’s diverse world. Intercultural training helps you build the understanding and tools you need to bridge differences and create meaningful connections across cultures. Location and Dates: WAPES Premises, Training will start at 09.00 am CET on 14 April and will end around 12.00 am CET on 16 April. Language: English Costs covered by WAPES: Includes training and meals. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for 2 – 3 applicants from WAPES member countries in category 1, 2 or 3. Eligibility: Open to all WAPES members and their staff involved in global interactions. Must be able to communicate well in English and must be motivated to participate proactively and work together with others. Selection: 10 participants will be chosen based on motivation and diversity across the 5 WAPES regions. Explore and Discover: Enhance your grasp of culture and its impact on human perception, cognition, communication, and behaviour. This course offers a blended learning approach, integrating theory, practical application, and self-reflection through interactive activities. Applications will open on 19 January 2026! For questions, email [email protected] Don’t […]

On line@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@21 April 2026WAPES Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop 2026 (APRW 2026)   Labour Market Information Systems as the Foundation of PES Governance and Service Delivery: Challenges and Opportunities   WAPES invites its members and partners from the Asia-Pacific region to the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop 2026 (APRW 2026), which, due to unforeseen administrative challenges in the envisaged hosting country will now take place online on the 21st April 2026 between 16:30 and 18:00 JST /09:30 and 11:00 CET. The workshop is jointly organised by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) and WAPES. This webinar will provide several viewpoints and discussion on how Public Employment Services (PES) can strengthen their role as key actors in labour market governance through the effective use of data, evidence and digital tools. 📍Venue: Online🗓 Dates: 21 April 2026 – 9.30 am to 11.00 am CET / 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm JST🗣 Working language: English Workshop focus Across the Asia-Pacific region, labour markets are undergoing profound transformations driven by demographic change, technological innovation and evolving employment patterns. In this context, Public Employment Services are increasingly expected to contribute to evidence-based policy making and coordinated employment governance as a base for the design and […]

Sarajevo @ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@20 and 21 May 2026 Video ReportAgenda Tuesday, 19 May 2026at Four Seasons Penthouse Restaurant, Alta Shopping Centre, Franca Lehara 2, SarajevoWednesday, 20 May 2026 Conference Venue: Mövenpick Hotel Sarajevo, Fra Filipa Lastrića, Sarajevo Ms Sanela Mešanović, Expert Adviser for Programme and Project Coordination, Labour and Employment Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr Ivan Barbalić, Director General, Labour and Employment Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr Mehmet Altun, WAPES Vice President of the European Region and Head of Foreign Relations and Projects Department, İŞKUR Ms Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr David Womble, Chief of Mission & Western Balkans Coordinator, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr Amer Kapetanović, General Secretary, Regional Cooperation Council Mr Edis Arifagić, National Coordinator for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the International Labour Organization Thematic Block I: Bridging Workforce Skills Shortages – Innovation, Data and Cooperation Panel Discussion 1: Labour Market Intelligence and Skills Forecasting Moderator – Ms Inga Balnanosienė, Director of the Employment Service under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of Lithuania - From Labour Market Intelligence to Action: How Public Employment Services Turn Skills Data into Dynamic Pathways – Mr Yves Magnan, […]

Launch Event – The World of Public Employment Services 2026 Online | 9 June 2026We are pleased to invite you to the launch event of The World of Public Employment Services 2026, a joint publication by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Association of Public Employment Services (WAPES). 📅 June 9, 2026🕘 9:00 – 11:00 AM (EST)📍 Hybrid event – IDB Headquarters (Washington, DC) & Online👉 Register here:INSCRIPTION As labor markets undergo rapid transformations—driven by demographic and technological change, more frequent economic shocks, persistent skills mismatches, and widening inequality—strong and modern Public Employment Services (PES) can play an important role in supporting labor market transitions throughout the life course, enhancing skills and employability, connecting employers with talent, and ultimately boosting productivity, competitiveness, and economic resilience. In this context, the IDB, OECD, and WAPES have developed a new publication: The World of Public Employment Services 2026. The publication presents evidence on the current state of public employment services worldwide, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face. This high-level event will bring together global leaders and experts to present key findings from one of the most extensive international analyses of […]

@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90aXRsZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7ImJlZm9yZSI6IiIsImFmdGVyIjoiIn19@24 June 2026WAPES General Assembly (WAPES members only) Online | 24 June 2026