The ongoing digital transformation of the economy and of society in practice means that all Europeans must acquire and develop digital skills. Digital experts are in need everywhere: without them, society would not be able to create and deploy cutting-edge digital technologies like AI, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things or blockchain in every sector of the economy. And demand for digital talents is continuously on the rise. 

Looking to the future (hello, 2030!), the European Union's Path to the Digital Decade sets the concrete digital targets by the end of the decade, as first outlined in the 2021 Digital Compass Communication of the European Commission. To respond the growing need for digital experts, the EU aims to train 20 million ICT specialists (with balance between different genders), and ensure at least 80% of European citizens have at least basic digital skills. 

It is within this policy framework that the Digital Skills & Jobs Platform - the home of digital skills in Europe - has launched its initiative Pledges for Digital Skills. But what is a pledge? Who can make one? Can it help us bridge the digital divide? 

A Pledge is a "commitment made on top of the core field of activity of an organisation, big or small, private, public, or non-profit, to make a concrete contribution, free of conditions to the beneficiaries, to reduce the digital skills gap in Europe". By making a pledge, organisations can commit to equip European employees, unemployed, ICT specialists, teachers, students, younger or elderly people, with the skills they need to live and work in the digital age. 

Why this webinar? 

What part of the digital world do you work in? Join this webinar to find out how your organisation can become a pledger on the Digital Skills & Jobs Platform. We will show you why and how to get from 0 to a successful pledge, and how to make a pledge from the very scratch. For inspiration, we have prepared some good practices that have been successfully submitted (and implemented). 

The webinar is split in 2 parts, with part 1 focusing on active pledges (and pledgers) that have achieved tangible milestones, ready to share their experience within the initiative. Part 2 will focus on the main steps to submit a Pledge on the Platform. 

Join the Digital Skills & Jobs Platform on this next part of Europe's up- and re-skilling journey for 1 hour on 5 April 2023!