Global megatrends and their impact on education

‘The world has become more volatile, uncertain and ambiguous, with education caught in the crosshairs of complex, interweaving factors. However, we should never underestimate the role that knowledge, skills and attitudes play in shaping cultures and social and economic development.’ In his first Teacher column for 2025, OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher shares finding from the latest Trends Shaping Education report, and the implications for teachers, school leaders, students and policymakers.

As the world of work rapidly develops, educators have a crucial role to play. Technological advancements, the push for net-zero and evolving societal expectations are driving change across labour markets. These and other global megatrends will shape the future of education.

At the same time, teachers and policymakers will make decisions that impact societal outcomes. The choices they make today will echo across the decades to come.

One of the most significant drivers of change that education can influence is technology. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are revolutionising industries, streamlining processes and creating new opportunities.

As outlined in the latest Trends Shaping Education (OECD, 2025) report, these advancements can not only enhance productivity but also reshape job roles and skill requirements. But the implications of these changes are not predetermined. Our responses to technological developments will also determine the outcomes.

Education in the AI age

The AI workforce has almost tripled as a share of employment in less than a decade. However, the relative lack of AI skills remains a barrier, with major gaps across countries and genders. As routine and repetitive tasks become increasingly automated, educators urgently need to consider the skills necessary for students to succeed in the modern workforce, to drive further innovation and the push towards more sustainable living.

The OECD is working with partners to provide a clear pathway forward. Teachers need to integrate technology into the classroom so students become comfortable with the tools they will encounter in their future careers. This includes teaching students to use digital tools, understand basic coding and navigate online platforms safely and responsibly. 

As automation expands, the demand for critical thinking and problem-solving skills will grow. Teachers can encourage these skills by incorporating project-based learning and real-world problem-solving activities into their lessons. This approach helps students develop the ability to analyse complex situations, think creatively and devise effective solutions. 

In addition to technical skills, communication, teamwork and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly valuable. Educators should constantly question what competences are needed to fully participate in society in the decades ahead. What knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are needed for generating new ideas, products and ways of working?

In the workplaces of the future, the ability to problem-solve, adapt and use critical and creative thinking will separate people from machines. Educators can create opportunities for students to practice these skills through group projects, presentations and collaborative activities. Teaching students how to manage their emotions, empathise with others, and work effectively in teams will also prepare them for the interpersonal aspects of the modern workplace.

That all said, education systems still need to concentrate on the basics. The OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills last year revealed that adult literacy and numeracy skills have largely declined or stagnated over the past decade in most OECD countries. Alarmingly, across all countries and economies surveyed, nearly 20% of adults are only able to understand simple texts or solve basic arithmetic. The share of low performers ranged from 44% of adults in Chile to 7% in Japan. Preparing kids for an AI-driven age shouldn’t neglect the teaching of foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Growing divides

AI will also impact democratic debate. The spread of digital technologies has coincided with declining public trust in the media, increasing attacks on journalists by politicians, and the spread of mis- and disinformation. These trends are fuelling polarisation in democratic societies.

One study from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) found a steady increase in disinformation targeting elections in 53 countries between 2016 and 2021 (Bicu, n.d). Advances in AI threaten to make the situation even worse. By 2023, AI had been used in disinformation campaigns in at least 16 countries. 

In today's politically polarised world, classrooms are increasingly becoming microcosms of broader societal divisions. Given the overwhelming volume of information citizens encounter daily, education is critical to developing media literacy and critical thinking skills. If people cannot analyse what is true, false or misleading – to think critically about information and viewpoints – then democracies are put at risk.

To navigate these complexities, teachers need to create a classroom culture that emphasises respect and empathy, where students are encouraged to listen to each other's perspectives, to question assumptions and evaluate sources. This approach will help students develop the skills to navigate complex issues and form their own informed opinions. If not, students will struggle to discern truth from falsehood. Going forward, an inability to critically assess information is a threat to democratic stability.

The gig economy and remote work

Remote work is another consequence of the digital revolution. In OECD countries, the share of advertised telework continues to grow; 2 or 3 days of teleworking per week are now typical in jobs that allow for it, with young people expecting employers to provide more flexibility.

About half of Gen Zs (born 1995-2005) would rather be unemployed than stay in a job they dislike, and over three-quarters of those under 40 seek more flexible work or reduced working hours. This shift in expectations poses a challenge for the education sector.

Teacher shortages are already a serious issue in many countries and classrooms traditionally operate within rigid hours and structures. How can we attract and retain talented young teachers in a world where flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm?

There are no easy solutions, but part of the answer involves policymakers rethinking the traditional teaching model to meet the expectations of young educators.

Flexible scheduling options, such as staggered start times, part-time positions and job-sharing arrangements, could be considered. Giving teachers the option to do some classes online could also be beneficial in certain circumstances. This approach would help teachers accommodate personal commitments and better manage work-life balance.

The OECD’s New Professionalism and the Future of Teaching Project highlights the importance of flexible teaching careers. By making teaching more flexible, the profession will become more attractive to a greater pool of people and help create a more engaged and motivated workforce, analysts argue.

Climate education

Amid all these changes, the growing threat of climate change has dramatically impacted lives worldwide. The recent wildfires in Los Angeles, which were likely affected by climate change according to one scientific study (World Weather Attribution, 2025), highlight the devastating impact of global warming on our environment, communities and economies.

New technologies may offer hope for mitigating emissions, but achieving net-zero targets will require comprehensive strategies – improving energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy sources, reducing consumption, and cutting transportation and industrial emissions. How can education reshape attitudes toward consumption, sustainability and supporting healthier, environmentally friendly lifestyles?

One action to consider is incorporating climate education into curriculums, so students can learn about the science behind climate change, its causes and its impacts. This knowledge can empower students to make informed decisions and act.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills should – as previously stated – be encouraged. Project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems related to climate change and propose solutions, should also be implemented.

Sustainability must be integrated into the curriculum across all levels of education; this includes teaching the principles of sustainable development, renewable energy and environmental management. By embedding these topics into subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as humanities and social sciences, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainability.

Green-driven occupations – jobs affected by the net-zero transition, even if indirectly – currently employ about a fifth of workers in the OECD, mostly in the manufacturing, utilities, mining, construction and the transport sectors. These green jobs demand new skills that education systems are currently struggling to provide.

Policymakers must anticipate these future needs and diversify educational pathways. For example, schools and colleges can offer specialised courses and certifications in areas such as solar panel installation, electric vehicle maintenance and sustainable construction. Educational institutions can also foster a culture of innovation by encouraging students to develop new technologies and business models that address environmental challenges. 

Future-orientated education

It’s understandable why many people feel anxious about the global megatrends we face. The world has become more volatile, uncertain and ambiguous, with education caught in the crosshairs of complex, interweaving factors. However, we should never underestimate the role that knowledge, skills and attitudes play in shaping cultures and social and economic development.

At the OECD, we support future-thinking policymaking to prepare for shocks and surprises. Education is a crucial plank of a policymaker’s arsenal. By focusing on future-orientated education, we can find innovative solutions to the megatrends our planet faces.

Despite all the concerns, fears and doubts, I am confident that education will help us build resilient societies and find sustainable solutions.

Note: This article was prepared by Andreas Schleicher from the OECD Secretariat and does not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD Member countries.

References

Bicu, I. (n.d.). The Information Environment Around Elections. International IDEA. https://www.idea.int/theme/information-communication-and-technology-electoral-processes/information-environment-around-elections

OECD. (2025). Trends Shaping Education 2025. OECD Publishing https://doi.org/10.1787/ee6587fd-en

World Weather Attribution. (January 28, 2025). Climate change increased the likelihood of wildfire disaster in highly exposed Los Angeles area. World Weather Attribution. https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-increased-the-likelihood-of-wildfire-disaster-in-highly-exposed-los-angeles-area/