Celebrating Human Potential: The Role of Essential Skills 

This session underscores how essential skills create a unifying language for human potential. Technical knowledge alone no longer guarantees success in today’s evolving world. Essential skills—adaptability, communication, collaboration, cultural awareness, and resilience—are critical for thriving across industries and contexts. These human skills not only drive educational achievement and workplace performance but also foster equity, well-being, and inclusive care.

This interactive panel brings together experts from education, workforce development, and certification to explore how essential skills are being defined, assessed, and developed. Panelists will share frameworks and practical strategies that align with employer needs and societal priorities, highlighting how these skills support career transitions, adaptability in the age of AI, and culturally responsive