GLAD Update No. 6, October 2026
Welcome to the sixth edition of the GLAD Update. This issue highlights recent developments in skills governance, from the EU’s priorities for quality jobs to practical examples of how stronger coordination, knowledge sharing and partnerships can support skills development. We also look ahead to the forthcoming Torino Global Skills Summit in November of this year.
State of the Union, 2026
In her State of the Union speech on 16 September 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared the key priorities and flagship projects for the coming year. This includes a Quality Jobs Act by the end of the year, following extensive consultations with Social Partners to develop skills, improve job quality, and give workers a fair chance.
Quality jobs for companies and workers in Europe - Employment, Social
Affairs and Inclusion
Effective governance in practice: keep up with the latest developments by joining the GLAD Webinars
Discover how local actors can strengthen adult learning and education at the GLAD webinar on 22 October, bringing together insights from ETF and DVV International studies, local authorities, national experts and participants.
GLAD webinar "Local level active role in fostering Adult Learning and Education"
News from the EU: Strengthening AI capabilities in civil society organisations
A new Civic Coding study from Germany highlights AI competence as a governance challenge
for skills development, showing that while civil society organisations are building valuable expertise, learning remains fragmented and poorly coordinated. It calls for stronger networks, shared knowledge structures and clearer organisational leadership to pool expertise, widen access to learning and turn individual initiatives into sustainable competence development that translates AI knowledge into organisational and societal value.
https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en/latest/news/strengthening-ai-c…-
society-organisations
Key events
The Torino Global Skills Summit 2026, taking place from 23 to 25 November, will bring together policymakers, experts, employers, education and training providers, and young people from across the EU and ETF partner regions to explore how skills can contribute to more competitive, inclusive and resilient economies and societies. Connecting with the wider European debate, including the EU’s Union of Skills, the Summit will place the governance of skills development at the centre of discussions on ensuring high-quality education and training, lifelong learning, labour-market relevance, skills portability, and upskilling and reskilling, while helping skills systems adapt to economic, social, green and digital transitions. More information TORINO GLOBAL SKILLS
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