ILO Launches Green and Digital Skills Project for ASEAN Youth in Construction

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Republic of Korea under the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme, is set to launch a transformative new initiative focused on advancing digital and green skills among youth in the ASEAN region. The project aims to improve the employability and future readiness of young people by equipping them with the skills needed to drive sustainable transformation within the construction sector—a traditionally labor-intensive field now on the cusp of major innovation.

The project will officially launch on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Manila, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines. The high-level event will gather key stakeholders across the construction, education, labour, and policy sectors to explore the project’s objectives, implementation strategy, and long-term vision.

Advancing Youth Employability Through Skills of the Future

With the construction sector undergoing rapid transformation due to climate change adaptation and digitalization, the ILO’s new initiative will prioritize two key skill domains: green construction and digital innovation. This dual focus addresses the growing need for eco-conscious infrastructure development and the integration of technology such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart energy systems, and digital project management tools.

Young workers across ASEAN, particularly in countries with booming infrastructure development like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, often face challenges entering the formal labour market. By targeting youth, the ILO aims to ensure they are not left behind in the ongoing shifts toward sustainability and technology adoption in construction.

Key Launch Event in the Philippines

The launch event in Manila will feature a keynote address from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which will underscore the Philippine Government’s commitment to workforce upskilling and green jobs. DOLE will highlight how the convergence of digitalization and environmental goals is shaping the future of work in the country’s vital construction sector.

Other prominent speakers and panelists include:

• International Labour Organization (ILO) representatives, providing a global perspective on youth employment and skills development.

• ASEAN Constructors’ Federation (ACF), offering regional industry insights and construction sector forecasts.

• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), outlining training infrastructure and curriculum enhancements.

• Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), reflecting the needs and commitments of private sector stakeholders.

• Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), speaking on behalf of workers and the role of organized labour in ensuring decent work standards.

The event will also feature technical sessions on how the construction industry can evolve through climate-smart practices and digital technologies, with a special focus on the integration of young women and marginalized groups into these opportunities.

Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Construction Workforce

The project supports a broader vision of inclusive economic recovery and decarbonization, as many ASEAN countries aim to meet their respective Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Construction, as one of the largest employment sectors in the region, holds significant potential for carbon reduction through energy-efficient buildings, sustainable materials, and circular economy practices.

Through this project, the ILO will design and pilot competency-based training modules, facilitate public-private partnerships, and promote industry-recognized certifications that align with regional labour mobility frameworks.

The project is also part of the ILO’s strategy to promote decent work for youth and support the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, many of whom are concentrated in construction-related jobs.

Media Participation and Regional Impact

Media coverage is welcomed at the event, with interested journalists encouraged to contact Minette Rimando from the ILO Country Office for the Philippines for access and interview arrangements.

By centering youth in the conversation on digital and green transitions, the ILO and its partners are laying the foundation for a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive construction sector—one that not only builds infrastructure, but also builds futures.