Future of Work in the Age of AI Forum to Tackle Workforce Transformation in Riga

Riga, Latvia, will host the international forum “Future of Work in the Age of AI” on March 16, 2026, bringing together over 600 leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to address the rapidly evolving European workforce. The forum, organized by the Future of Work Institute, ERDA, the State Employment Agency of Latvia, and Google, aims to foster collaboration and develop practical solutions to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and social cohesion amidst the rise of artificial intelligence.

Key Discussions and Participants

The forum’s agenda will center on critical discussions regarding the future of skills and learning, the creation of an inclusive workforce, and the potential for growth in new and creative industries. Keynote speakers and participants include:

• Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society, and author of influential reports like the Future of Jobs Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.
• Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia
• Evika Siliņa, Prime Minister of Latvia
• Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills
• Annette Kroeber-Riel, Google Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Europe
• Dr. Ekkehard Ernst, Chief Macroeconomist of the International Labour Organization
• Kathleen D. Kennedy, Executive Director of the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence
• Representatives from the OECD and other international organizations.

The Impact of AI on the European Job Market

Forecasts indicate that generative AI is poised to affect approximately 61% of jobs in Europe, significantly altering job content and skill requirements. Around 7% of professions may require long-term reskilling to adapt to these changes. But, the adoption of AI solutions also presents a significant economic opportunity, potentially generating up to €1.2 trillion in additional value for the European Union’s economy over the next decade, provided that proactive skills development and workforce adaptation measures are implemented. European Forum: Future of Work in the Age of AI

Addressing Workforce Challenges

Evita Simsone, Director of the State Employment Agency, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and employers, promoting lifelong learning, and providing clear career development pathways. She highlighted the challenges facing Europe, including an aging population, a talent shortage, and fragmented education and labor market systems. Riga to Host Major European Forum

Event Details

The “Future of Work in the Age of AI” forum will take place on March 16, 2026, at Hanzas Perons in Riga, Latvia. Participation is free and available both on-site and online. Further details and the agenda can be found at www.futureofworkeurope.org. A livestream of the event will also be available. Rīga conference to consider AI in the workplace