Published on 18th November 2022
In the galaxy of international organisations, everyone knows the G20, the gathering of the leaders of the world’s 20 wealthiest nations. Maybe less widely known is the B20… the ‘sister’ group of business representatives that channel the recommendations of the global business community for consideration of the G20 leaders.
The B20 is therefore a unique platform to advance economic and social interests and in 2022, the World Employment Confederation had the opportunity to take part in its endeavours. WEC’s President Bettina Schaller had been involved throughout the year in the work of the Future of Work and Education Task Force – a work which culminated with the participation at the B20 summit on 13-14 November on the Indonesian island of Bali.
“Our main objective as the World Employment Confederation was to advocate for diverse forms of work, appropriate regulation on flexible working and the acceleration of work-readiness solutions.” explains Bettina Schaller. The Future of Work and Education Task Force came up with three key areas to be addressed: (i) supporting post-pandemic recovery and growth; (ii) upgrading education and lifelong learning systems; and (iii) accelerating workforce inclusion.
The B20 summit addressed several topics under the theme of ‘Advancing Innovative, Inclusive, and Collaborative Growth’. Speaking on a panel about enabling entrepreneurship, business growth, and job creation, Bettina Schaller also addressed the issue of women empowerment and the need to strengthen public-private partnerships and facilitate support in accelerating inclusion of women in business. “I am particularly pleased to see the launch of ‘One Global Women Empowerment Platform’ whose goal is to help more women lead, participate in, and expand access to business and economic opportunities. While the readiness for talks breaks down all over the world, it is inspiring to see the business community being so open for collaboration and partnerships,” she adds.
Moving ahead, the World Employment Confederation is looking forward to continue the conversation on the future on work with the B20 community. In 2023, the B20/G20 Presidency passes on to India.
From left to right: Meliza M Rusli (Permata Bank), Zeynep Bodur Okyay (Kale Group), Johnny C. Taylor Jr. (SHRM), Michele Parmelee (IOE) and Bettina Schaller (WEC)
