Jamaica will stage a Future of Work and Productivity Summit next month. Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, explained that the summit represents a crucial juncture in Jamaica’s drive towards transforming productivity to accelerate economic growth
The event, being held under the theme: “Bridging the Innovation Gap: Education, Skills and Economic Transformation,” will be held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Papine, St. Andrew over three days, beginning June 20.
It will bring together industry leaders and experts to share insights and strategies to increase workplace productivity, including leveraging cutting-edge technology to boost efficiencies. The staging of the three-day summit coincides with the observance of World Productivity Day on June 20.
Speaking at the media launch held at the UTech campus on Thursday, May 9, Minister Charles Jr. noted that productivity must be a lifestyle and the goal of the summit is to initiate conversation around transforming Jamaica.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Collette Roberts Risden, said the summit will underscore the Ministry’s commitment to advocate for and actively implement policies that support digital upskilling and the adoption of new productivity tools.
“This is essential as we bridge the gap between current educational and training output and the future skills that are required for our economy,” she pointed out.
Among the objectives of the summit are to educate and inform industry leaders, policymakers and academics about the significance of innovation in productivity, as well as to foster a multi-stakeholder dialogue that promotes an inclusive approach to economic growth.