Handbook on best practice methods for Basic skills trainings Best practice handbook | Page 5

5
TO STAKEHOLDERS
.
Why are competencies so important today? Globalisation and
modernisation are creating an increasingly diverse and
interconnected world. To make sense of and function well in
this world, individuals need for example to master changing
technologies and to make sense of large amounts of available
information. They also face collective challenges as societies –
such as balancing economic growth with environmental
sustainability, and prosperity with social equity. In these
contexts, the competencies that individuals need to meet their
goals have become more complex, requiring more than the
mastery of certain narrowly defined skills. “Sustainable
development and social cohesion depend critically on the
competencies of all of our population – with competencies
understood to cover knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.”
OECD Education Ministers