Description
How do we navigate and influence our future amidst relentless progress?In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and the ever-expanding influence of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of workers and citizens stands at a critical juncture.
As we face the complexities and breathtaking speed of this digital revolution, one question resonates deeply: How do we, as individuals, as workers and as a society, shape our future amidst the relentless march of progress? Because we all agree:
We must embrace the transformative potential of AI and advanced technologies.
Just as the advent of railways once sparked skepticism and resistance, today's technologies evoke understandable fears. AI can become a monster; but it can also be the fifth element driving us towards a more competitive and sustainable future.
As the past has shown, embracing innovation - with utmost respect and yet serenity - is not merely about adaptation; it is about shaping the course of progress itself.
To navigate and control this digital landscape, we must first understand and then engage with these technologies. The seismic shifts of the 19th and 20th centuries offer valuable lessons: Industries evolve, labor markets transform, but through it all, the human factor remains at the core of everything.
Central to this endeavor is the imperative of ensuring workers´ participation. Regulators, companies, social partners and trade unions must prioritize inclusiveness and dialogue between stakeholders - to empower workers to have a strong voice.
From technological complexity to the fragmentation of the workforce, each obstacle presents an opportunity for innovative approaches and collaboration. Agile and foresightful trade unions can help bridge the gap between workers and the digital economy.
To the workers of today and tomorrow, we say: “Empower yourselves. Unite in advocacy. Demand and create transparency. Have your say. Do not succumb to fear. Unions stand by you. For in the face of uncertainty lies the potential for transformation.”
| Period | 27 Feb 2024 |
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| Held at | Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Degree of Recognition | International |