OSCE conference in Vienna focuses on unlocking human capital development through migration and innovation

On the occasion of the International Migrants Day, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, on 18 December 2019 in Vienna, organized an event to discuss ways to maximize the impact of innovation, education and mobility on the development of human capital in the 21st century.

OSCE diplomats, migration experts and practitioners, innovators and academics discussed how, in view of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, human capital is at the core of innovative and inclusive development. Mobility and education offer unexpected opportunities to boost productivity and advance innovation.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, studying and working abroad is an invaluable opportunity to acquire new competencies and skills. Yet, governments struggle to grasp fully the economic gains of migration,” said OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger. “New technologies can offer ways to promote innovative solutions that would make migration work for everyone: for economies of countries of origin, destination and the migrants themselves.”

Ambassador Igli Hasani, representing the incoming Albania 2020 OSCE Chair, stressed the importance of policies that can secure the many benefits of migration. “The vicious cycle of poor governance, economic hardship, and social backlash can be turned into a virtuous cycle of economic integration and growth, improving the human development of everyone,” said Hasani.

Participants shared experiences in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to migration-related challenges, displaying success stories, including in crises situations.

The event is part of the OSCE ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue and co-operation on migration governance and human capital development.