The world is shifting under our feet. With each passing year, the way we live and work is being redefined. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving industries are all playing a part in reshaping our reality. But beneath the surface of these rapid transformations lies something more personal, specifically the lives, dreams, and futures of ordinary people trying to find their place in a new world.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 from the World Economic Forum makes it clear. By 2030, technology will create about 170 million new jobs, but nearly 92 million will disappear. That is not just data. That is a father of three needing to retrain, a young graduate realising their chosen field is vanishing, and workers across industries wondering what is next.
And it is not just about the jobs themselves. The skills needed to thrive are shifting just as quickly. Almost half the core competencies workers rely on today will be outdated in five years. Roles in AI, data analysis, and sustainability are in high demand. Meanwhile, many traditional jobs are being phased out or heavily changed by technology.
This is a huge wake-up call. To keep up, we need to start thinking differently regarding education, training, and how we prepare for a world that refuses to stand still. Upskilling and reskilling are not just buzzwords. They are lifelines.
Think of it like this. Learning cannot stop at graduation. Whether you are 25 or 55, staying relevant in the workplace means being ready to adapt and grow. Skills now have an expiration date. To stay employable, people need to constantly learn, unlearn, and relearn.
And the definition of essential skills is evolving. Alongside reading and math, we now need digital fluency, problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and the flexibility to pivot when the job market changes.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the same shot at this kind of growth. In many parts of the world, access to quality education and training is limited, especially in remote or underserved communities. The result is a growing gap between those who can adapt and those who are left behind.
If we do not address this, we will deepen social and economic divides. It is not enough to create new opportunities. We must also make sure people can reach them. That means targeted investment in the most vulnerable groups, accessible digital infrastructure, and inclusive policies that lift everyone, especially not only the privileged few.
When countries invest in their people, the benefits ripple outward. Stronger economies, better innovation, and more resilient communities follow. There is a direct link between education and national prosperity, and yet the world is not keeping pace.
According to recent data, governments spent an average of 4.3% of GDP on education in 2022. That figure has not moved much, even though the need for change has grown. In some regions, investment is actually dropping. The World Bank’s 2024 Education Finance Watch flags this as a serious risk, especially for low-income nations that cannot afford to fall behind.
Failing to invest now means falling behind later. Millions of people risk being shut out of tomorrow’s economy simply because they were not given the tools to adapt. And the longer we delay, the harder it will be to bridge the gap.
One country choosing to act is Saudi Arabia. Its “Vision 2030” diversification plan puts human development front and centre. It is a bold national effort not only to grow economically but also to empower people to be the engine of that growth.
Saudi Arabia is making significant progress in education and training through its Human Capability Development Programme. The objective is to cultivate a generation that is skilled, innovative, and able to compete on the global stage. This program focuses not only on traditional learning from textbooks but also on practical, real-world preparation.
Young people in the Kingdom are being trained in areas such as robotics, AI, and green energy. Schools and universities are partnering with top institutions around the world. And learning does not stop after formal education. Lifelong learning is a growing focus.
The results are already visible. Industries such as renewable energy and advanced tech are attracting more skilled professionals. Saudi Arabia is not only transforming its workforce. It is also influencing how other countries think about human development.
What makes Saudi Arabia’s approach notable is its outward focus. The Kingdom is not only working on its own development. It is also stepping into a global conversation. By joining international partnerships and sharing ideas, it is helping to build a more connected, skilled, and adaptable global workforce.
That kind of cooperation is vital. No single country can face this alone. We need to learn from each other, support one another, and pool resources to tackle the shared challenges of a fast-changing world.
What’s Next?
The coming years will test how seriously we take these challenges. Will we invest in our people or leave them to fall behind? Will we build systems that lift everyone or only those who already have access?
This is about more than economics. It is about dignity. It is about making sure that as the world changes, people are not discarded. They are empowered.
If we get this right, the future of work can be one of hope. A future where opportunity is not limited by geography, income, or circumstance. A future where talent is nurtured and dreams can thrive.
Because in the end, no piece of technology, no matter how advanced, will ever match the power of a well-supported, well-prepared human being. People are the heart of progress. And investing in them is the smartest decision we will ever make.