This paper deals with the diverse landscape of demographic and labour market trends in the region, and puts them in context with emerging trends and developments – repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the transition toward a green economy, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the impact of and responses to climate change and natural disasters. The paper concludes with lessons learned and recommendations on how to move forward toward more inclusive and sustainable labour markets that are prepared for further demographic, economic, technological and environmental changes.