international-labour-organization

ILO Education Opportunities Supporting Young Professionals in 2026

International Labour Organization (ILO) education and capacity-building opportunities available through the EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network. Funded by the European Union, this global initiative supports knowledge sharing, professional training, networking, and evidence-based solutions that improve youth employment outcomes across developing countries.

Designed for practitioners, researchers, policymakers, educators, and young professionals, the programme provides access to specialized learning resources, expert collaboration, webinars, workshops, and international events that strengthen professional skills while contributing to decent work and sustainable development.


Overview

OrganizationInternational Labour Organization (ILO)
ProgrammeEU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network
Opportunity TypeProfessional Learning, Training, Networking
Eligible ApplicantsYoung Professionals, Researchers, Policymakers, Practitioners, Development Experts
RegionsAfrica, Asia-Pacific and Global
Programme DurationMarch 2025 – February 2027
Funding PartnerEuropean Union
Implementing OrganizationInternational Labour Organization (ILO)
Focus AreasYouth Employment, Skills Development, Labour Markets, Education, Public Policy
Application MethodOnline Registration
Programme StatusOpen

About the International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for promoting decent work, social justice, labour rights, and inclusive economic growth worldwide.

Working with governments, employers, workers’ organizations, academic institutions, and development partners, the ILO develops policies and programmes that strengthen labour markets, improve employment opportunities, and enhance workforce skills.

Through this initiative, the ILO collaborates with the European Union to strengthen youth employment systems across Africa and Asia by improving knowledge sharing, professional development, and policy innovation.


About the EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network

The EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network is a global professional community designed to connect experts working in youth employment and skills development.

Hosted on the YouthForesight Knowledge Platform, the network enables participants to:

  • Exchange knowledge and best practices
  • Access learning materials
  • Participate in international webinars
  • Join professional training workshops
  • Collaborate with experts from different countries
  • Develop innovative employment solutions
  • Build partnerships across institutions
  • Strengthen evidence-based policymaking

The initiative focuses particularly on supporting youth employment systems in:

  • Malawi
  • Rwanda
  • Cambodia
  • Philippines

while encouraging broader collaboration across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.


Programme Objectives

The initiative seeks to strengthen youth employment by:

  • Improving professional knowledge
  • Supporting evidence-based policymaking
  • Encouraging innovation
  • Building stronger partnerships
  • Enhancing workforce skills
  • Promoting decent work
  • Supporting sustainable employment initiatives
  • Expanding collaboration among experts

Ultimately, the programme aims to improve employment opportunities for young people in developing countries.


The Three Strategic Pillars

The project is built around three complementary pillars.

1. Link

Participants become part of an international, intergenerational network that promotes collaboration among governments, researchers, practitioners, and development organizations.

This pillar focuses on:

  • Professional networking
  • Partnerships
  • Collaboration
  • Knowledge exchange

2. Learn

Members gain access to valuable educational resources designed to strengthen their understanding of labour market systems and youth employment.

Learning opportunities include:

  • Webinars
  • Research publications
  • Policy briefs
  • Case studies
  • Best practice guidance
  • Knowledge-sharing sessions

3. Leverage

The network encourages participants to work together to develop innovative solutions that improve employment outcomes.

Activities include:

  • Collaborative projects
  • Policy innovation
  • Resource sharing
  • Evidence-based programme design

Learning Opportunities Available

Participants have access to numerous educational activities throughout the programme.

These include:

International Webinars

Recent webinar topics include:

  • Innovative Solutions for Rural Youth Employment
  • EU–ASEAN Higher Education Policy Dialogue
  • Meaningful Youth Engagement
  • Labour Market Innovations

Professional Training Workshops

Participants may benefit from specialized workshops covering:

  • Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs)
  • Skills Development
  • Labour Economics
  • Youth Policy
  • Evidence-Based Programme Design
  • Employment Services

Conferences

Members may participate in international events such as:

  • Labour Economics Conference
  • Youth Employment Expert Network Launch Events
  • Regional Employment Dialogues
  • Policy Forums

Research Publications

The programme also provides access to high-quality research and practical resources, including:

  • Labour Market Studies
  • Systematic Reviews
  • Employment Policy Research
  • Skills Development Publications
  • Evidence-Based Practice Guides

Benefits of Joining

Young professionals who join the network can benefit from:

  • Access to international experts
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Continuous learning resources
  • Invitations to webinars and workshops
  • Knowledge exchange with global practitioners
  • Exposure to international labour policies
  • Career development opportunities
  • Access to research and publications
  • Participation in collaborative initiatives
  • Greater understanding of employment policy and labour markets

Who Can Join?

The network welcomes individuals working in or studying areas related to:

  • Youth Employment
  • Education
  • Skills Development
  • Labour Economics
  • Public Policy
  • International Development
  • Human Resource Development
  • Social Protection
  • Economic Development
  • Research
  • Academia
  • Government
  • Civil Society
  • Development Organizations

It is particularly valuable for:

  • Young professionals
  • Researchers
  • University graduates
  • Policy analysts
  • Development practitioners
  • Programme managers
  • Employment specialists

How to Join

Interested participants can join by following these steps:

  1. Access the YouthForesight platform.
  2. Select the option to join the EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network.
  3. Register for a YouthForesight account if you do not already have one.
  4. Complete your profile.
  5. Begin participating in network discussions, learning activities, and events.

Skills You Can Develop

Participation helps professionals strengthen skills in:

  • Labour market analysis
  • Youth employment policy
  • Programme management
  • Public policy development
  • International cooperation
  • Research methods
  • Evidence-based decision making
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Knowledge management
  • Monitoring and evaluation
  • Project implementation
  • Professional communication

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Unlike traditional training programmes, the EU–ILO Youth Employment Expert Network combines education, collaboration, and professional networking into one platform.

Participants not only learn from internationally recognized experts but also contribute to discussions shaping youth employment strategies across multiple countries. The opportunity to engage with practitioners from different regions makes the programme particularly valuable for professionals interested in international development, labour markets, education policy, and sustainable economic growth.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this an academic degree programme?

No. The initiative is a professional learning and networking programme focused on youth employment, skills development, and policy collaboration.

Is the programme open internationally?

Yes. The network supports collaboration among professionals across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the wider international development community.

Do participants receive training?

Yes. Members have access to webinars, workshops, conferences, publications, and collaborative learning opportunities.

Who should join?

The programme is ideal for young professionals, researchers, policymakers, educators, development practitioners, and anyone working in youth employment or skills development.


Conclusion

The ILO EU–Youth Employment Expert Network provides an outstanding opportunity for young professionals to expand their expertise, connect with international experts, and contribute to improving employment opportunities for youth worldwide. Through webinars, workshops, conferences, research resources, and collaborative networking, participants gain valuable knowledge that can strengthen careers in labour policy, education, international development, and public service.

If you are passionate about promoting decent work, developing future-ready skills, and shaping evidence-based employment policies, this programme offers an excellent platform to learn, collaborate, and make a lasting impact.


Suggested Internal Linking

  • ILO Internship Programme for International Students
  • United Nations Graduate Opportunities
  • UNICEF Learning and Career Programmes
  • UNDP Early Career Opportunities
  • FAO Internship Programme Guide
  • Best International Training Programmes for Young Professionals
  • Fully Funded Professional Development Programmes

Suggested Schema Markup

  • Article
  • FAQPage
  • Organization
  • EducationalOccupationalProgram

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Patience
Patience

Patience is a career and opportunities writer with extensive experience researching global trainee programmes, internships, and scholarships. She specializes in simplifying application processes and providing verified information for early career professionals. Connect on LinkedIn.

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