We are pleased to invite you to attend the launch of the report “The Skills Development Challenge in Latin America: Diagnosing the problems and identifying public policy solutions“, the result of a joint effort by the Inter-American Dialogue and Mathematica Policy Research, with support from CAF – Development Bank of Latin America. The event, organized in collaboration with USAID, will take place on Thursday, October 20 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the Horizon Ballroom of the Ronald Reagan Building.
Latin America’s history has been characterized by fluctuating rates of economic growth, insufficient development of human capital, and high levels of income inequality. This report demonstrates that, in spite of the striking increase in the years of schooling attained by adults in Latin American countries, there is compelling evidence of inadequate basic, technical, and socio-emotional skills development across the region. These gaps represent a bottleneck to productivity growth and to the ability of Latin American workers to obtain gainful employment. Research also shows that relevance, quality, and efficiency limitations in secondary and tertiary education are key drivers of the skills development problem.
The report advances four recommendations that seek to leverage policy tools (regulations, financial incentives, information, and public/private partnerships) to (1) better align the content and skills taught with the demands of the labor market, (2) enhance quality, and (3) improve graduation rates in secondary and tertiary education.
This event will convene key policymakers, academics, business professionals, donors, and experts in workforce development to discuss the state of technical education and professional training in Latin America, review lessons from experience, and explore opportunities for reform in the region.
A light breakfast will be available starting at 8:30 AM. The event will begin at 9:00 AM.
Opening remarks:
- Sarah-Ann Lynch, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for LAC, USAID
Speakers:
- Ariel Fiszbein, Director of Education, Inter-American Dialogue
- Clemencia Cosentino, STEM Area Leader, Mathematica Policy Research
- Karen Towers, Education Leader LAC/RSD, USAID
- Alexandria Valerio, Senior Economist, Education, World Bank
Moderator:
- Nancy Murray, Director, International Research Division, Mathematica Policy Research
