Amb. Mari Carmen Aponte Study Group: Shaping Future Workforce in Global South

Study Group with Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte: Demographics and Urbanization: Shaping the Workforce of the Future in the Global South

GUEST: Ambassador Michelle Gavin, U.S. Ambassador to Botswana

The Global South is undergoing a historic demographic transformation, as meteoric population growth and urbanization reshape economies and societies. Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa, where a young and expanding population is fueling demand for education, jobs, and infrastructure, while cities struggle to provide public services, including technology.

This session explores how governments and businesses can harness the potential of this demographic surge while addressing governance, transparency, and the risks of unrest if aspirations go unmet. Drawing on Ambassador Michelle Gavin’s experience and insights, the conversation will highlight the rise of African cities as engines of innovation and political identity, the role of digital platforms in connecting citizens to markets and services, and the urgent need for states to deliver accountability and inclusive growth.

AUDIENCE: These conversations are open to members of the Harvard community. Please RSVP with a valid Harvard email address. 

OFF-THE-RECORD: In keeping with our long tradition at the IOP to ensure honest and candid discussions of politics, all IOP study groups are off-the-record.