The future of labor was discussed by experts at the conference in honor of the 100th anniversary of the ILO

The International conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of one of the oldest specialized agencies of the United Nations - the International Labour Organization (ILO) was held within the framework of the XII Astana Economic Forum in Nur-Sultan. The conference was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Gulshara Abdykalikova, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan Berdibek Saparbayev, Minister of Employment and Labor Relations of Uzbekistan Sherzod Kudbiev, Director of the Department of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Graham Minton and others.

Opening the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Gulshara Abdykalikova noted the global challenges in the labor market that are on the agenda of all countries of the world and international organizations.

«In Kazakhstan, we have formed and are implementing systemic measures to respond to these risks. Structural reforms are being systematically carried out. To approach the best international practices, the OECD standards are being implemented,» G. Abdykalikova said.

She added that the Government faces ambitious tasks: to create over 1 million jobs with decent wages and safe conditions by 2025. To increase the level of skills and competencies of the workforce, both newly entering and existing employees. Create conditions for the transition to a lifelong learning model.

The head of the Ministry of Labor Berdybek Saparbayev, in turn, stressed that the republic fully supports the recommendations of the ILO Global Commission on the future of the world of work. In general, over the past 10 years, the share of self-employed population in Kazakhstan has decreased from 35% to 24%, which is comparable with countries such as South Korea (25%) and Poland (21%).

The Minister also highlighted global challenges that could lead to changes in the labor market - the development of digitalization and technologies, such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence and robotics; demographic changes in the structure of the workforce; increasing the inclusiveness of the workforce.

«The Ministry has developed a vision about the future of the labor market of Kazakhstan, taking into account global challenges and emerging trends in the country. The population is projected to grow to 19.8 million by 2025, or 1.6 million. (9% of 2017). The number of labor force will increase by 6.7% and will amount to 9.8 million people (from 9.0 million in 2017),» B.Saparbayev said, speaking at the conference.

He noted that taking into account the technological modernization of the economy, the need for personnel by 2025 will amount to more than 570 thousand people. It is expected to increase the number of medium and highly skilled jobs by 766 thousand. The demand for low-skilled labor will decrease. The number of such jobs will decrease by 530 thousand due to the modernization of traditional sectors of the economy.

«This year we have planned to develop 480 professional standards, in general, by 2020 we will approve about 550 professional standards in all key sectors of the economy of Kazakhstan,» the minister said.

During the conference, a comprehensive and constructive exchange of views on various aspects of the identified topics took place.