Suriname seeks to strengthen vocational training following WorldSkills Conference

Suriname's Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare and Labour, Dr. Raj Jadnanansing, attended the WorldSkills Conference 2026 in Shanghai from September 22 to 27. The conference, held alongside the 48th WorldSkills Competition, focused on the theme “Shaping a Skills-Driven Future,” bringing together policymakers, employers, and international organizations to discuss the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in a changing labor market.

The discussions addressed how digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping job profiles, emphasizing the growing importance of practical skills. For Suriname, the conference highlighted the strategic need to align vocational training with actual market demands to combat youth unemployment and economic inequality.

Key domestic institutions involved in these efforts include the Stichting Arbeidsmobilisatie en Ontwikkeling (SAO), which provides vocational training, and the Stichting Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre (SHTTC), which specializes in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Insights from the international conference are expected to inform the development of training programs within these organizations to better prepare the Surinamese workforce.