On 6 October 2026, UNU will host “Building an AI-ready Workforce: Skills, Inclusion and Opportunity in an Era of Transformation”, a conversation with Kevin Frey, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for Microsoft Elevate. This event will start at 17:00 in the 1F Annex Space at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work, reshaping the skills people need and creating new opportunities across economies and societies. Yet the benefits of this transformation will depend on whether workers, learners and communities have the tools, training and support needed to participate in an increasingly AI-powered economy.
Dr. Kevin Frey will join UNU Chief of Staff Michael Baldock to explore how investments in skills development, education and inclusive access can widen economic opportunity while reducing the risk that technological change deepens existing inequalities. The conversation will also consider the role of cross-sector partnerships in preparing teachers, learners and workers to adapt to a rapidly changing labour market and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared broadly, safely and equitably.
This event is part of the UNU Conversation Series, which aims to foster audience participation. You are encouraged to engage with the speakers during the conversation and at the reception that will follow, where all event attendees are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks while exchanging ideas and making new contacts.
This event will be in English. Advance registration (by 5 Oct at 15:00) is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the online registration page. Please be prepared to present identification at check-in.
Please note that food and photography are prohibited during events at UNU Headquarters, unless prior permission is granted by UNU.
About the speaker
Kevin Frey is Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for Microsoft Elevate, where he leads efforts to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly, safely and equitably across society. Previously, he served as the first CEO of Generation Unlimited at the United Nations, leading partnerships that helped more than 100 million young people access skills and economic opportunities. He also served as CEO of Right To Play and founded the education technology company Teach Away. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade in higher education, including as Managing Director of the University of Toronto’s MBA programme. He holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto, an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from IE University.
