ILO to Launch Project Advancing Green and Digital Skills for ASEAN Youth

The International Labour Organization (ILO), under the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme, is poised to launch a transformative project aimed at empowering youth across the ASEAN region through green and digital skills development. This ambitious initiative specifically targets the construction sector, positioning young people at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry driven by sustainability and digitalization.

Empowering the Next Generation in Construction

The new project is designed to address both immediate employability challenges and long-term structural needs in the ASEAN construction sector. By focusing on green building practices and digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart construction tools, and energy-efficient systems, the program aims to build a future-ready workforce capable of supporting the region's infrastructure and climate goals.

This initiative will deliver training, capacity building, and partnerships with educational institutions and employers, emphasizing inclusive participation and gender equality. Youth from diverse backgrounds—including those not in employment, education or training (NEET)—will be prioritized.

Launch Event: 26 June 2025 in Manila

The project will be officially launched during a high-level event on Thursday, 26 June 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Manila, Philippines. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Embassy of Korea in the Philippines and will bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders:

• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – delivering the keynote address and addressing the evolving workforce needs of the construction sector.

• ILO Asia-Pacific and Philippines Representatives – presenting the strategic vision and global best practices in green and digital skills development.

• ASEAN Constructors’ Federation (ACF) – discussing industry readiness and demand for skilled workers.

• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – outlining the training infrastructure and curriculum integration.

• Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) – highlighting the roles of employers and workers in ensuring successful outcomes.

Supporting Sustainable Growth in ASEAN

The ILO’s initiative reflects a broader effort to support the green and digital transformation of the ASEAN economy—particularly in infrastructure development, which is vital for climate adaptation and economic competitiveness. The project will complement ongoing national efforts and support commitments under the ASEAN Declaration on Human Resources Development for the Changing World of Work.

ILO studies have emphasized that integrating sustainability into construction not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates higher-quality, safer, and more stable employment opportunities. Digital technologies, meanwhile, are revolutionizing project planning, monitoring, and delivery—necessitating new skill sets and workforce adaptability.

Media Coverage and Stakeholder Engagement

The launch event is open to the media, with interested journalists encouraged to RSVP by contacting Minette Rimando at the ILO Country Office for the Philippines. The event will also include a Q&A session, providing space for dialogue on youth empowerment, vocational training, and sustainable economic recovery in the post-pandemic context.

Looking Ahead

As ASEAN countries confront the twin transitions to greener economies and digital economies, the ILO’s initiative marks a crucial investment in the region’s human capital. By equipping youth with the skills of the future, the project seeks to bridge the employment gap, promote decent work, and foster inclusive economic growth.

This project also exemplifies the value of international cooperation—particularly between Korea and ASEAN nations—in shaping a more resilient and forward-looking workforce.