PMI, Cannes Lions launch global educators forum to bridge skills gap in AI-driven economy

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has partnered with Cannes Lions to launch the LIONS Educators Forum, a new global initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry and equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven workplace.

The initiative, announced in a statement released in Lagos, seeks to address growing concerns about the gap between classroom learning and the demands of the modern workforce.

Organisers said the forum will serve as a platform for educators and industry leaders to collaborate on preparing students for emerging career opportunities in creative and technology-enabled sectors.

According to the statement, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and digital technologies is reshaping the skills employers require, making creativity, problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration increasingly important across professions.

The organisers noted that closer cooperation between educational institutions and industry stakeholders has become essential to ensure graduates are adequately prepared for the realities of the workplace.

Speaking on the initiative, Menaka Gopinath, Chief Marketing Officer at PMI, said the LIONS Educators Forum will focus on developing future-ready curricula and creating stronger links between education and employment.

She explained that the programme would provide educators with access to industry insights, practical knowledge and collaborative opportunities that can help improve student preparedness for careers in the creative economy.

“The Forum will focus on two core areas: developing future-ready curricula and strengthening pathways between education and employment. Through curated discussions, shared insights and ongoing collaboration, the Forum aims to equip educators with the tools, knowledge and industry access needed to better prepare students for creative careers,” she said.

Gopinath added that educators worldwide would be invited to participate in a global network where best practices can be shared and innovative ideas explored to support student success.

The Forum will be chaired by Vann Graves, Executive Director of VCU Brandcenter, and will be guided by a leadership team from Cannes Lions.

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The programme will feature three key components designed to foster year-round engagement between educators and professionals.

These include two annual virtual global roundtables, scheduled for spring and autumn, where educators and industry leaders will discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in education and workforce development.

Another component is the Cannes Lions In-Person Forum, which will take place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity from June 22 to 26, 2026. The event will be hosted at the PMI Cabana and provide educators with direct exposure to industry trends, insights and global best practices.

The initiative will also establish a year-round network that allows participants to exchange resources, build partnerships and collaborate on projects throughout the year.

Commenting on the partnership, Steve Latham, Global Head of Strategic Learning Initiatives at Cannes Lions, described creativity as one of the most valuable skills in the global economy.

He said the Forum would help bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry by creating a space where both sectors can work together to shape future talent development.

“Creativity is now one of the most important skills in the global economy, yet the connection between education and industry has never been more critical. The LIONS Educators Forum is designed to close that gap by creating a space where educators and industry leaders can collaborate, share insights and shape the future together,” Latham said.

As the founding partner of the initiative, PMI will contribute expertise on the competencies students need to thrive in a workplace increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and technological disruption.

The organisation noted that project management is becoming a critical skill for helping individuals translate ideas into measurable outcomes, navigate uncertainty, collaborate across disciplines and lead complex projects.

“The future of work will reward people who can do more than generate ideas. We need to equip students and the educators who guide them with the skills to bring people together, make sense of complexity and turn creative ambition into real-world impact,” she said.

PMI currently works with thousands of academic institutions around the world, providing educators and students with industry-aligned tools and resources designed to improve employability and practical skills.