Project Management Institute (PMI) and Cannes Lions have unveiled a new international platform designed to help educators prepare students for the future of work amid accelerating advances in artificial intelligence and changing industry demands.

Dubbed the LIONS Educators Forum, the initiative brings together universities, educators and creative industry leaders to address the growing disconnect between classroom learning and workplace expectations.

The Forum will provide a platform for discussions on future-ready education, industry collaboration and pathways that can help students transition more effectively into creative careers.

The initiative will be chaired by Vann Graves, Executive Director of VCU Brandcenter, with leadership support from Cannes Lions.

Its activities will include biannual virtual roundtables, a dedicated programme during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June 2026, and an ongoing international network where educators and industry professionals can exchange ideas and resources.

According to Cannes Lions Global Head of Strategic Learning Initiatives Steve Latham, creativity is increasingly becoming a core skill across industries, making collaboration between educators and employers more important than ever.

PMI, which serves millions of project professionals globally, will play a key role in shaping discussions around the capabilities required in an AI-driven economy. The organization says project management skills are becoming essential for helping individuals navigate uncertainty, collaborate across disciplines and turn ideas into practical outcomes.

Chief Marketing Officer Menaka Gopinath said the partnership aims to equip the next generation with the ability not only to imagine new possibilities but also to deliver meaningful results.

The launch of the LIONS Educators Forum reflects growing efforts by education and industry stakeholders to ensure graduates are better equipped for an increasingly digital and rapidly evolving labour market.