Global Conclave on Human Capital in Washington: Kaba Nialé Shares Côte d’Ivoire’s Experience in Youth Skills Development and Employment

On the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a high-level Global Conclave on Human Capital was held on Thursday, October 17, 2025, in Washington. The event was organized by the World Bank’s Human Development Department.

The Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Kaba Nialé, represented the Ivorian government and shared Côte d’Ivoire’s successful experience in public-private partnerships for skills development and youth employment.

She highlighted the achievements of the Youth Employment and Skills Development Project (PEJEDEC), financed by the World Bank, which has actively involved the private sector in designing training curricula and qualifying young people through internships, apprenticeships, dual training programs, entrepreneurship training, incubators, and professional retraining.

Participants unanimously recognized that human capital is the foundation of economic growth and social well-being. They emphasized the need to strengthen public education systems, enhance teacher training and quality, and promote rewarding careers in education. The strategic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a complement to human skills was also underlined.

The Human Capital Network, which now includes 96 member countries — among them Côte d’Ivoire — reaffirmed its commitment to fostering bilateral experience sharing and cooperation to build stronger human capital as a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.

The conclave focused on two key themes:

Strengthening professional skills requires the participation of the private sector and employers.

Public investments in skills stimulate employment growth.