The global labour market is undergoing a massive transformation due to rapid technological advancements, a surge in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), trade tensions and policy uncertainty, climate change, and demographic shifts across countries. The transformations have affected countries differently. The 2026 World Bank Global Economic Prospects and ILO Employment and Social Trends 2026 show that while developing countries face challenges in creating sufficient new jobs for their working-age population, developed countries are facing labour shortages due to a higher share of an ageing population. In particular, women, youth, and vulnerable populations are facing the highest challenges in securing decent work, exacerbating gender inequalities across countries. 

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