Future Proofing Youth: GAN Global at the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum

GAN Global continued to champion equitable access to skills and employment in June 2025, taking part in a global gathering focused on youth, decent work, and social justice.

Represented by Executive Director Kathryn Rowan, GAN Global highlighted the essential role that quality apprenticeships play in tackling systemic barriers to work-based learning. She highlighted how private sector leadership, when paired with multi‑stakeholder collaboration, can accelerate progress for young people. The forum served as a powerful reminder that social justice is not an abstract goal; it is achieved through aligned action. By bringing together governments, employers, and civil society, the Coalition builds momentum towards a world in which every young person can access meaningful skills and economic opportunity.

The reflections shared at the event centered on the intersection of skills, opportunity, fairness and collaboration as our strongest lever for change. Whether at the ILO’s global forum or in dialogue with companies, or partners, GAN Global was proud to share the following experiences across its memberships and country networks:

• Adaptive Construction Solutions provides apprenticeship training to young veterans and underrepresented populations in green sectors.
• Türkiye İşveren Sendikaları Konfederasyonu / Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK)’s program which includes a survey of 1,500 young people, targeted training for young women, and a new module on industrial relations for youth leaders representing government, workers and employers.
• GAN New Zealand – Growing Future Farmers (GFF) program combines hands-on agricultural training, formal coursework, and strong mentorship to empower youth with qualifications, practical experience, and high job placement rates in the food and fibre sector.
• GAN Australia’s new Employer Accreditation Scheme aligned with ILO Recommendation 208 (R208). It supports employers in delivering high-quality apprenticeships and contributes to national reviews and policies, such as the Australian Skills Guarantee and state-level infrastructure training mandates.

As GAN Global accelerates impact across its membership, these milestones reaffirm a clear direction towards a future where social justice is strengthened through quality apprenticeships, employer engagement, and shared purpose.