Ilja Riekki

Ilja Riekki is a distinguished education specialist currently serving as Junior Professional Officer at UNESCO Asia Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in Bangkok, where he focuses on literacy and lifelong learning initiatives. His expertise spans educational innovation, skills development, and digital transformation in education. At UNESCO, he plays a key role in the Global Skills Academy, which has supported nearly a million learners worldwide in developing digital skills and employability. His academic background includes a Master's degree in Education, complemented by economics studies at prestigious institutions including Lingnan College at Sun Yat-Sen University, Yonsei University, and the European University Institute. Before joining UNESCO, he demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen as head of innovation and partnerships at Aalto Ventures Program, Finland's leading university entrepreneurship program. His professional journey includes valuable experience in Shanghai's consulting sector and Finland's education technology industry targeting the Chinese market. Riekki regularly contributes to major educational initiatives, including leading sessions on Skills Development and Lifelong Learning, where he focuses on developing skills for life and work, adult learning education, and training system transformation.