Digital Skills Coalition for Asia and the Pacific

The Digital Skills Coalition (DiSCo) Asia-Pacific initiative seeks to close the persistent digital divide that limits the participation of large segments of the population in the opportunities of digital transformation. While connectivity has expanded rapidly, significant disparities remain across countries, socioeconomic groups, and between women and men, undermining inclusive participation in the digital economy. DiSCo responds to these challenges strengthening the capacity of national skills authorities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions to anticipate, adapt to, and meet evolving digital skills needs. The initiative is implemented across the Asia-Pacific region, with initial pilot activities in selected ASEAN countries and subsequent expansion to additional countries in the region. The primary beneficiaries are national skills authorities and TVET institutions, while trainers, learners, and enterprises will indirectly benefit from more relevant, demand-driven, and inclusive skills development systems. Led by the ILO, DiSCo is implemented in close collaboration with ministries of labour and education, national skills agencies, and leading TVET institutions across the region. Expected results include the establishment of a formal regional coalition with a shared vision, governance framework and strategic roadmap to guide knowledge exchange and collaboration. The initiative also strengthens the institutional and technical capacities of skills authorities and TVET institutions, and supports the design and piloting of an AI-powered regional platform for competency standards and curriculum sharing. Together, these results advances more coherent and harmonized approaches to digital skills development, promotes inclusive and demand-driven training systems, and contributes to building a workforce that is more resilient, adaptable and better prepared to seize the opportunities of the digital economy.

Project symbol

RAS/25/52/JPN

Admin unit

RO-Asia and the Pacific

Start date

21/10/2025

End date

20/10/2026

Total allocation

180000

Total expenditure

Status

Active

114431

Development Partners

Japan, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Country/Countries

Asia and the Pacific - regional

Outcomes

Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions