🎧 Top Class 

Micro-credentials are bite-sized qualifications designed to help people demonstrate they have certain skills or experience.

Dr Monique Ositelu from data consultancy firm Itàn & Shizuka Kato, Education Policy Analyst at the OECD explain why they’re becoming more popular.

Everything you need to know about micro-credentials

Rooted in Culture, Ready for Tomorrow: Community-Driven Education Innovation | #WISEOnAir Podcast 

How can education systems honor cultural roots while preparing students for the future? 
In this episode, we feature WISE Prize finalists Fadia Hamdi (Queen Rania Foundation, Jordan) and Abdulhamid Haidar (Darsel, U.S.), who share how their initiatives blend tradition with innovation to build resilient learning communities. 

Chapters: 
00:00–01:46 Introduction 
01:46–02:46 Solutions Beyond the MVP: What Iqrali.jo and Darsel Offer with WISE Prize Support 
02:47–04:37 Preserving Arabic Literacy and Heritage 
04:38–05:45 Adapting Tools to Cultural Contexts 
05:45–08:17 Why Emotional Connections Matter 
08:18–10:47 Building Inclusive Educational Solutions 
10:48–13:37 Engaging Communities in Design 
13:38–16:12 Access for Refugee & Marginalized Communities 
16:13–18:05 Lessons from Diverse Implementations 
18:05–21:17 Incentivizing Parents and Students 
21:17–end WISE Prize Support and Future Plans 

Listen to the full episode: https://pod.link/wiseonair 

119: Rooted in Culture, Ready for Tomorrow: Community-Driven Education Innovation

Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. In this episode of OECD podcasts, Alix Philouze chats to Elina Cohen-Peirano, CEO & founder of URONE and a young entrepreneur who founded her first company at the age of 17. They discuss all things youth entrepreneurship – from balancing entrepreneurship and studies to the policy challenges facing youth entrepreneurship and the legacy of the YEPA programme, tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in her own words. 

Alix Philouze is a communications co-ordinator at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, where she works with both the SME and Entrepreneurship division and the Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development division. She holds a degree in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.

Elina Cohen-Peirano is a young serial entrepreneur driving systemic change in entrepreneurship education through Urone, her company which partners with academic, business and institutional actors across Europe. Its mission is to make entrepreneurship a lever for youth empowerment, innovation and inclusion. She is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), led by the OECD and the European Commission, contributing to international dialogue and policy action.

To learn more: 
•	The YEPA hub: https://yepa-hub.org/
•	OECD work on inclusive entrepreneurship: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html
•	The missing entrepreneurs: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
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#oecd #oecdpodcasts

Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Elina Cohen-Peirano, in her own words

Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. 

This episode of OECD podcast features Joni Rakipi from ETH Zürich and is hosted by Shayne MacLachlan from the CFE. Joni, originally from Albania and now based in Zürich, explains deeptech as solving complex problems through scientific breakthroughs, emphasising its long-term impact. He highlights barriers young entrepreneurs face, such as limited access for foreign nationals and regulatory hurdles, advocating for open doors and deregulation to foster innovation. The episode encourages young entrepreneurs and policymakers to engage with these insights. Tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in his own words. 

As Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Shayne MacLachlan engages with policy issues concerning SMEs, tourism, culture, regions and cities to name a few. He has worked on a number of OECD campaigns including “Going Digital”, "Climate Action" and "I am the future of work". 

Joni Rakipi holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Management, Technology & Economics (METC) from ETH Zürich. He currently holds the role of Investor Connect Program Manager at ETH Zürich; an initiative of ETH Entrepreneurship aimed at connecting investors with spin-offs of ETH Zürich. From 2022 – 2024, he served as President at the ETH Entrepreneur Club. He is heavily involved in the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Switzerland and other neighbouring countries.  

To learn more, visit the YEPA hub https://yepa-hub.org/
Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters

Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Joni Rakipi, in his own words

While the US dollar has been at the top of its game for decades, new players are testing its reign. Chess grandmaster-turned-economist Ken Rogoff has long cautioned of the dangers that high debt and fiscal burdens could have on the world’s favorite reserve currency, and in his latest book, Our Dollar, Your Problem, he says its share of global reserves is on the decline. Ken Rogoff is currently the Maurits C. Boas Chair of International Economics at Harvard.

Kenneth Rogoff on Dollar Dominance

Recent OECD data shows that less than 40% of young people aged 18 to 30 feel they have the skills and experience needed to start a business. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2019/12/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2019_668840b2/3ed84801-en.pdf In today’s episode, you’ll not only hear inspiring stories about young people who have turned their enterpreneurial dreams into realities, but we will discuss how youth entrepreneurship policies are helping bridge the skill and experience gap. 

Recorded during the youth entrepreneurship policy academy (YEPA) Summit in Brussels, this session captures YEPA’s mission through an inspiring panel of three young entrepreneurs who share their journeys - including the highs, hurdles, and lessons learned. The discussion is moderated by Baptiste Mandouze, Social Economy Policy Officer at the European Commission, and features Adrian Davies, Elina Cohen-Periano, and Mateo de Bardeci. Let’s dive in and hear their stories.

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To learn more, visit the YEPA hub. https://yepa-hub.org/ Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html


Youth entrepreneurs uncovered: Dare to dream...YEPA panel special

It’s not unusual for countries to reevaluate trade relationships as the global economy evolves. However, the persistent uncertainty brought on by tariffs has prompted entire regions to reconsider long-established alliances and rethink new ones that were unimaginable only a year ago. Gordon Hanson, international economist and Professor of Urban Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, was invited to join a panel discussion on the global economy during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings. In this podcast, Hanson says, we need to reinvigorate the process of building new trade agreements that reflect the new world, and middle- and newly high-income countries should play a leading role.
Transcript: https://bit.ly/4qT4LvS

Gordon Hanson on Shifting Trade Alliances

Sub-Saharan Africa is holding its own despite a deteriorating global trade and aid landscape. The latest outlook projects growth to remain steady at 4.1 percent this year with a modest pickup in 2026. While the region has once again proven its resilience, what will it take to realize its full potential? IMF Economist Athene Laws helps pull together the biannual Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa. In this podcast, she says removing barriers to private firm growth is crucial for providing the jobs needed by the region’s young and rapidly expanding labor force.
Transcript: https://bit.ly/4i7F6vt

Holding Steady: Athene Laws on sub-Saharan Africa’s Outlook

Recent OECD data show that around one in ten people across member countries have no one they can rely on in times of need, underscoring the growing urgency of loneliness and social isolation. In today’s episode, we explore how one Parisian neighbourhood has decided to push back through the creation of a  vibrant community movement that’s reshaping daily life.

Recorded with Patrick Bernard founder of La République des hypers voisins, and Marion Lagadic, an OECD colleague who is also a member of the collective, this conversation dives into how a small gathering in a local restaurant blossomed into a powerful neighbourhood network grounded in trust, conviviality, and mutual support. From organising a 1 500-person street banquet to creating WhatsApp groups that connect thousands of residents, Patrick and Marion share how intentional social ties can strengthen safety, wellbeing, and even help older neighbours remain in their homes.

Hosted by Amal Chevreau, Head of the Social Economy and Social Innovation Unit at the OECD, this episode also highlights the growing evidence on why community relationships matter, revealing how local initiatives can influence quality of life, reinforce social cohesion, and inspire new approaches to public policy. 

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To learn more, visit the OECD’s Social economy and social innovation webpage. https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/social-economy-and-social-innovation.html 
Follow the great work of La République des Hyper Voisins on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/hypervoisins/?locale=fr_FR
https://www.instagram.com/hypervoisins/?hl=en

To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/
To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/
Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/newsletters

COGITO Talks… La République des Hyper Voisins

Maintaining good relations promotes trade, but can trade repair bad relations? Marc Palen examines how Britain’s repeal of the Corn Laws in the mid-1800s sparked its interest in free trade and the idea of economic interdependence for a peaceful and prosperous world. Palen, an archaeologist, historian, and author, discusses his latest book, Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free World. In this podcast, he talks with journalist Rhoda Metcalfe about his research into the origins of globalization.

Marc Palen on Peace Economics and Trade

Everything you need to know about teaching and learning in one podcast. Top Class, the OECD Education Podcast, interviews leading educators, researchers and policy experts about the big issues facing education systems around the world.




Disclaimer: The opinions expressed and arguments employed on the "TopClass" podcast and the recordings contained therein do not necessarily represent the official views of the OECD, its member countries, or non-members who have participated in any related work. This site may display third party videos or recordings. The inclusion of such videos or recordings does not imply any endorsement of, or responsibility for, the opinions, ideas, or information presented in these videos. The "TopClass" podcast is subject to the Disclaimers section of the General Terms and Conditions of the OECD website. http://www.oecd.org/termsandconditions/

Everything you need to know about micro-credentials

Top Class, The OECD education podcast