She also asked the World Bank to collaborate with countries to identify high-priority skilling sectors that generate employment

Sitharaman's remarks came during her intervention at the plenary lunch "How Should the World Bank Shape Its Future Strategic Direction and Help Clients Create More Jobs to Keep Pace with Evolving Megatrends"

She emphasised that jobs are the most pressing global issue, given the continued economic headwinds and rapid technological change that are redefining the skills required for youth to enter the job market, the Ministry of Finance said on X

The World Bank has previously conducted several studies on sectoral trends and their potential impact on employment, covering areas like 'green jobs,' jobs after artificial intelligence, and shifts due to changing demographics, she said on Thursday

However, she stressed that the need for the hour is a more comprehensive, multi-sectoral analysis one that examines how emerging trends interact and influence both job loss and job creation

This analysis should also consider factors like geopolitical fragmentation and its effects on sectors such as food production, exports, and related employment, she added