The OECD Skills Summit, co-hosted with the Republic of Türkiye, will take place in Istanbul on 27–28 April 2026 under the theme “Unlocking Talent Across Generations”.
The Summit will bring together policymakers, experts and stakeholders to discuss how to strengthen skills systems across the life course. Discussion will focus on three priorities: equipping young people with strong foundations for lifelong learning; supporting adults to upskill and reskill throughout longer working lives; and unlocking the potential of under-represented and overlooked groups.
The following sessions on 27 April are open to journalists in person or via livestream (all times in UTC/Istanbul local time):
10:00 – 10:30: Press conference at Rixos Tersane Istanbul Hotel
With participation by:
- H.E. Prof. Dr. Vedat IŞIKHAN, Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye
- Mr. Mathias CORMANN, OECD Secretary-General
Accompanied by Director Generals from Türkiye and OECD Directors
15:00 – 16:00: Official welcome to the OECD Skills Summit 2026 (livestream) at Haliç Congress Center.
Distinguished speakers:
- Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade, Republic of Türkiye
- Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, OECD
- Marion Jansen, Director of the Trade and Agriculture Directorate, OECD
Journalists wishing to attend the press conference in person can contact Mr Murat Ôznaneci.
The full agenda, list of confirmed speakers and link to the livestream can be found here.
For further information on the OECD Skills Forums, contact the OECD Media Office (+33 1 45 24 97 00) or Elisabeth Schoeffmann.
The OECD is also organising the OECD Critical Minerals Summit in Istanbul on 28-29 April 2026. More information is available here.
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