At the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Vivacity Development organised a highly anticipated event that brought key issues surrounding the future of work to the forefront. With the global workforce facing an unprecedented transformation, particularly with the forecast that 30 million jobs may become obsolete by 2030, the event emphasised the urgent need for both policymakers and industry leaders to prepare for these seismic shifts.

The event attracted a diverse audience from a wide range of industries, including government representatives, private sector leaders, and advocates for social and economic development. The discussions centred on the importance of translating the ideas presented at the General Assembly into actionable plans that can be domesticated and implemented within individual countries, particularly in developing economies such as Nigeria. With rapid technological advancements reshaping industries and job functions, the overarching theme was clear: without immediate action, millions could be left behind in the global job market.

Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, the convener of the event and a prominent advocate for youth empowerment, delivered a stirring keynote address. She underscored the critical need to equip Nigerian youth with the skills required to stay competitive on a global stage. According to Ann-Areola Melody, the rapidly evolving job market makes it imperative that young people not only have access to education but also are provided with the opportunity to continuously upskill and reskill. She stressed that this conversation comes at a crucial time, as countries that invest in their workforce now will be better positioned to thrive in the future.

The Commissioner of Lagos State’s Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, echoed these sentiments as he explored the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In his address, Alake spoke about the pivotal role that innovation, technology, and sustainable practices will play in creating an optimised future of work. He emphasised that sustainability in the workforce does not just mean environmental consciousness, but also requires intelligent systems that can streamline productivity and adapt to changing economic landscapes. His point was clear: the future of work must be backed by deliberate, measurable, and executable objectives that are grounded in innovative approaches powered by technology.

Also speaking at the event was Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, a respected voice in public policy and international development. Finnih made a compelling case for stakeholder collaboration, outlining the importance of working together at local, regional, and global levels to address the workforce transformation. She pointed out that while challenges in the past have been significant, moving forward requires all stakeholders—governments, private sectors, and international bodies—to collaborate more intentionally. According to Finnih, it is through these partnerships that effective initiatives will emerge, particularly in the areas of upskilling, policy development, investment, and public awareness. She emphasised that ensuring a stable and inclusive workforce for the future will hinge on these collaborative efforts.

A key figure in Nigeria's creative industry, Audu Maikori, co-founder of Chocolate City Group, brought attention to the significant investment opportunities within Nigeria. Maikori highlighted how the country's growing industries, particularly the creative and tech sectors, offer immense potential for economic growth and global engagement. However, Maikori warned that the population must be adequately prepared with the right skills to take advantage of these opportunities. He expressed hope that the discussions held at the event would serve as a roadmap for harnessing the untapped potential of Nigeria’s human capital. His speech struck a chord with many in attendance, as it emphasised the role of economic empowerment in preparing for the future of work.

Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, emphasised the need for raising awareness on the green economy while speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Oshodi stressed the importance of sensitising both policymakers and the general public on the principles of a green economy, which she noted should begin with education and a deep understanding of the concept.

She explained that creating awareness involves educating citizens about the core principles of the green economy, ensuring they have a clear grasp of how sustainability impacts daily life. "People need to be aware of how the green economy affects not only their environment but also their financial well-being," Oshodi said. "We must equip them with knowledge about sustainable practices, the benefits of green policies, and how these translate into economic opportunities."

As the event concluded, there was a collective sense of urgency among participants. The gathering underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and the proactive measures needed to ensure that developing nations, like Nigeria, are not left behind as the global workforce continues to evolve. The insights shared at the event provide a foundation for driving progress in education, economic policies, and workforce development.

With the world on the brink of a major workforce transformation, the message from Vivacity Development's UNGA side event was clear: the time to act is now. By equipping the workforce with the necessary skills, fostering collaboration across sectors, and embracing technological innovations, nations can navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that the future of work holds.