The beginning of the 21st century has been marked by rapid advances in technological innovation. While new technology can generate jobs and increase labour productivity, it also creates job displacement and widens the skills gap. Today’s generation of young people now face a world in which nearly half of today’s jobs globally are at risk of becoming obsolete due to automation and technological advancement in the coming decades.
"It's not just jobs disappearing, World Bank studies suggest that 4 out of 5 people born today will work in jobs that don't even exist yet. We need to be teaching flexible and transferable skills that will prepare the next generation for any future," Australian Consul-General Karen Lanyon said.
The Australian Government and Atlassian Foundation are each contributing AU$1.4 million (US$1.1 million) to crowd-source expertise and innovative ideas from the region. Contributions from Vietnam include enabling technology that connects separated families through games that instil shared values and increased training opportunities in sectors least threatened by automation such as caregiving.
"We are putting the perspective of vulnerable and disadvantaged youth at the centre of these discussions and it's fantastic to see the creative ideas coming from Vietnamese talent. We really hope some of these innovators make it the the next round and have the opportunity to pitch their ideas in New York at the United Nations General Assembly in September," the Consul-General added.
This challenge is just one example of the way Australia’s development assistance program is looking to new partners and approaches to deliver aid more effectively and sustainably to support sustainable economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
We encourage people with relevant expertise or with an innovative idea to participate in this Solve Challenge. Applications are open until 1 August 2017 and further details on the Challenge, including how to apply, can be found here.