State Secretary Martina Hirayama attends OECD Skills Summit in Istanbul
Bern, 29.04.2028 — On 27 and 28 April, delegations from over 30 countries gathered in Istanbul for the OECD Skills Summit, held under the theme ‘Unlocking Talent Across Generations’. The summit focused in particular on the policy measures needed to adapt education systems to the skills required in the age of artificial intelligence, while promoting lifelong learning and inclusion.
The 21st century is marked by major technological, socio-economic, demographic and environmental upheavals. To capitalise on these changes, countries must adopt a strategic vision and develop their education and training systems. Collaboration and coordination across different policy areas as well as between education and training providers, employers and businesses are critical in this regard. It was against this backdrop that the 2026 OECD Skills Summit was held in Istanbul under the theme ‘Unlocking Talent Across Generations’. Comparing systems and exchanging ‘good practices’ in this international context is particularly conducive to mutual learning.
In her speech, State Secretary Martina Hirayama drew attention to the Swiss education system, explaining that its adaptability has enabled it to respond to technological, economic and demographic challenges. In particular, she stressed the importance of vocational education and training in ensuring the availability of a skilled workforce. In this context, she mentioned the ‘Attractiveness of Vocational and Professional Education and Training’ project. She also highlighted the economic and social ramifications of artificial intelligence, creating both challenges and opportunities. She pointed out the Swiss education system has continuously adapted skills development to address the needs of this new reality. At the same time, Swiss higher education institutions have helped to drive innovation in this field through their research and cooperation activities. Finally, the State Secretary highlighted the advantages of an education and training system based on a federalist structure, which allows a wide range of private and public stakeholders to be involved in processes as diverse as service provision, funding, drafting of legislation and governance.
During the summit, the State Secretary held bilateral talks with various counterparts.