Protecting workers’ rights in the age of artificial intelligence 

 

The European Employment & Social Rights Forum 2023 will bring together business leaders, policy-makers, and industry experts to discuss AI and the world of work 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing every aspect of our working lives from manufacturing efficiency to healthcare innovation. It is a subject that provokes much debate, with clear benefits weighed against the uncertainty of how such powerful new technology might impact human creativity and job security. 

Ensuring workers can harness the true potential of AI, while setting clear rules that uphold job quality standards, is one of the key themes of this year’s European Employment & Social Rights Forum (EESRF). The Forum, focusing this year on ‘The impact of AI on the world of work’ is hosted by the European Commission in Brussels and online on 16 and 17 November 2023.  

According to a recent study, AI will deliver a €6.47 trillion increase in annual global GDP over the next decade. It has the power to inspire technical breakthroughs, widen access to education, and boost productivity across almost every conceivable industry. But, it also looms large over many workers, with some jobs potentially under threat.  

 

A wealth of speakers and sessions  

At the European Employment and Social Rights Forum, EU and national policy-makers, ministers, representatives from EU institutions and businesses, social partners, civil society, and academics will come together to form a world-leading group of speakers. Prominent among them are Prof. Christopher Pissarides, co-founder and co-chair of the Institute for the Future of Work, and winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize in Economics; Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights; and Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister for Eurointegration at Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation.  

Collectively, they will explore the impact of AI on the world of work from every angle across two days of seminars and events to answer questions such as: How to ensure fairness, inclusivity and transparency when navigating the new world of work? What skills are in demand among employers adopting AI technologies? How to promote job security and stability for workers in the age of AI? 

 

Why join the Forum? 

The overarching mission of the European Employment and Social Rights Forum is to discuss how EU policy can influence and address AI innovation in member countries, protecting workers’ rights all over Europe. Through the introduction of the AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation, the goal is to help ensure people benefit from the untapped potential this new and exciting technology brings, without impacting workers’ safety and fundamental rights. 

The challenges are big. The broad agenda of the European Employment and Social Rights Forum offers an insight into many different topics. One key theme is the development of new skills for workers across Europe. With the ongoing European Year of Skills, several sessions will focus on helping diverse workforces change the way they learn, creating new synergies between humans and technology that can boost productivity and provide lasting job security as well as improved working conditions.  

There is no doubt, AI has the potential to create many benefits for workers, such as better healthcare, safer and cleaner transport, more efficient manufacturing, and cheaper and more sustainable energy. If AI is harnessed effectively and responsibly, then the future for Europe’s workforce is extremely bright. 

 

"Europe has become the global pioneer of citizen's rights in the digital world. Europe, together with partners, should lead the way on a new global framework for AI. Our number one priority is to ensure AI develops in a human-centric, transparent and responsible way. Our AI Act is already a blueprint for the whole world." 

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, during her 2023 State of the Union address 

 

Be part of the dialogue on how we can work safely and productively alongside AI at the European Employment & Social Rights Forum 2023. Watch the teaser video and register on the EESRF website to attend the Forum.