"Future of Work" conference - 21-22 November 2019

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New forces are transforming the world of work: Technological development. Climate change. Demographic shifts. Globalization.

These transitions call for decisive action. The business community needs to seize the moment to unlock the opportunities that these changes bring for people with disabilities.

The ILO Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) held its "Making the Future of Work inclusive of persons with disabilities" conference on 21 and 22 November 2019, at the ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss how companies can shape a world of work which fully harnesses the potential people with disabilities offer. The conference report is available for download here.

Thursday, 21 November 2019

08:30- Registration

09:45-10:30 Welcome coffee

10:30-11:00 Opening session and welcome remarks

11:00-12:30 Presentation of the Future of Work publication and panel discussion by policy makers

• [video interview with Ramón Pueyo, Partner Responsible for Sustainability & Corporate Governance KPMG Spain; operating as Disability Hub Europe Technical Secretariat, a project led by Fundación ONCE]

12:30-14:00 Lunch break

14:00-15:30 Parallel thematic sessions

• Session 1: Artificial intelligence and its impact on the employment of persons with disabilities
• Session 2: Targeted initiatives to provide digital skills to persons with disabilities
• Session 3: The role of Employee Resource Groups to promote a disability-inclusive Future of Work
• [video interview with Kate Nash, OBE Founder and Chief Networkologist PurpleSpace]

15:30-16:00 Coffee break

16:00-16:30 Plenary focus session on global private sector and disability initiatives

16:30-17:30 Launch of the #invalidopinions campaign of the ILO Global Business and Disability Network

Friday, 22 November 2019

09:00-09:30 Official welcome of new members to the ILO Global Business and Disability Network

09:30-11:00 Parallel thematic sessions

• Session 4: The role of the public sector to lead by example and create the adequate enabling policy environment for an inclusive Future of Work
• [video interview with Yazmine Laroche, Deputy Minister Public Service Accessibility, Canada]
• [video interview with Victor Calise, New York City Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities]
• Session 5: Leaving no one behind: a focus on mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace
• Session 6: Assistive technologies and Universal Design to promote the employment of persons with disabilities
• Session 7: Making policies on the Future of Work inclusive of persons with disabilities

11:00-11:30 Coffee break

11:30-12:30 Plenary panel discussion with the rapporteurs of the seven parallel sessions on global initiatives to ensure a Future of Work inclusive of persons with disabilities

12:30-14:00 Networking lunch

14:00-17:00 The afternoon allowed for diverse sessions:

Side events organised by participants 

• Technology and Private Sector partnerships for Inclusion
• Universal Design and inclusion in private and public companies
• Multidisciplinary partnerships with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Disability employment quota system in Israel
• Global Apprenticeship Network GAN members driving inclusive workplaces
• Discussing a roadmap to a more disability-inclusive Future of Work
• Facial disfigurement a neglected global human rights issue

Briefings on the situation in particular countries

• Brazil / Chile / Mexico
• Saudi Arabia / UAE
• Philippines
• Bangladesh / Australia
• China
• Egypt

Download the detailed programme.