Welcome fireside chat
4 March 2026 (09:30-10:00)
Description
The second day of the Forum opened with a fireside chat between Ylva Johansson, Chair of the European Skills High-Level Board, and Mario Nava, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
Johansson presented her vision for a “new European model for human capital”, built on a stronger recognition of the value of skills across Europe. She stressed the need to identify and make better use of the skills people already have, while integrating continuous training throughout working life.
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening early education, adult learning and cooperation between education institutions and businesses, so that people enter and remain in the labour market with relevant skills.
Achieving this vision, she argued, requires investment from all actors. Skills should be seen as a common good, with individuals, employers and public authorities working together. As Johansson noted: “When we decide to work together, we really can move mountains.”
Speakers
Mario Nava, Director-General, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Rights and Inclusion, European Commission
Ylva Johansson, Chair of the European Skills High-Level Board