Join Upskill Library and start contributing towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce
About Upskill Library
Upskill Library is a global initiative that promotes refugee upskilling by providing a platform for knowledge and resource sharing among partners around the world. A collaboration initiated between France-based NGO Konexio and the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Paris and Munich Hubs, Upskill Library seeks to empower refugees and other vulnerable groups through upskilling.
Upskill Library cooperates with global partners to curate resources so that partners gain access to shared materials and participate in further development, management, and alignment of content and activities. By including partners with existing activities and those who are motivated to develop a new project, the aim is to adopt efficient approaches to achieve knowledge sharing and foster increased collaboration. In addition to serving as a global repository of information, Upskill Library will encourage other forms of knowledge transfer that can lead to increased impact.
By bringing partners together for knowledge and resource sharing, Upskill Library aims to inspire new projects and strengthen ongoing efforts, ultimately upskilling 1000 refugees by the end of 2020 and laying a framework for coordinating global action in the future.
Upskill Library cooperates with global partners to curate resources so that partners gain access to shared materials and participate in further development, management, and alignment of content and activities. By including partners with existing activities and those who are motivated to develop a new project, the aim is to adopt efficient approaches to achieve knowledge sharing and foster increased collaboration. In addition to serving as a global repository of information, Upskill Library will encourage other forms of knowledge transfer that can lead to increased impact.
By bringing partners together for knowledge and resource sharing, Upskill Library aims to inspire new projects and strengthen ongoing efforts, ultimately upskilling 1000 refugees by the end of 2020 and laying a framework for coordinating global action in the future.
Why upskilling?
Developing skills for a brighter future
According to UNHCR, there are 70.8 million forcibly displaced people around the world. There are 37000 new displacements every day.
Refugees disproportionately live in poverty and have less access to education, increasing the need to support refugees’ access to stable livelihoods. In 2016, over half of refugees in Europe lived below the low-income threshold, while refugees globally struggle with the loss of resources inherent in displacement.
Addressing unemployment is key: work provides not only a paycheck but also a foundation to integrate into the social fabric. Refugees can take up to 20 years to reach the same employment levels as nationals in host countries, as they confront downward social mobility, skills mismatches, and a loss of recognition of their previous credentials. Language barriers and lack of supportive social and professional networks further hinder integration. Focusing on upskilling provides a sustainable and empowering solution to rebuild their lives.
Refugees disproportionately live in poverty and have less access to education, increasing the need to support refugees’ access to stable livelihoods. In 2016, over half of refugees in Europe lived below the low-income threshold, while refugees globally struggle with the loss of resources inherent in displacement.
Addressing unemployment is key: work provides not only a paycheck but also a foundation to integrate into the social fabric. Refugees can take up to 20 years to reach the same employment levels as nationals in host countries, as they confront downward social mobility, skills mismatches, and a loss of recognition of their previous credentials. Language barriers and lack of supportive social and professional networks further hinder integration. Focusing on upskilling provides a sustainable and empowering solution to rebuild their lives.
Who is this for ?
Anyone working to create economic opportunity and an inclusive workforce
Upskill Library is for any person, non-profit, or company who wants to empower refugees via upskilling. Whether you have an existing project or a promising idea, whether your work is passion or profession, we welcome you to leverage Upskill Library to increase your impact. To join Upskill Library, get in touch with an organizer via by filling out an interest form.
Upskill Library is a partnership initiated between Konexio and the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Paris and Munich Hubs - with an ambition to engage the Shapers community globally.
We welcome participation from Shapers who:
Upskill Library is a partnership initiated between Konexio and the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Paris and Munich Hubs - with an ambition to engage the Shapers community globally.
We welcome participation from Shapers who:
- Have existing programs and activities related to refugees and upskilling
- Want to start a new project that supports refugee upskilling in their local communities
For all other partners
Our team is dedicated to ensuring equal access and seeks to work with a diverse range of partners:
Our team is dedicated to ensuring equal access and seeks to work with a diverse range of partners:
- Are you a company that wants to promote the professional integration of refugees?
- A non-profit organization who wants to get connected to a local Global Shapers Hub?
- An institution that sees potential synergies with our project?
Engage with us in with one of these cities or add yours to the list !
