"Technological advancements, shifting labour markets and complex social and environmental issues are forcing learners to acquire a broader set of skills. In this evolving landscape, cognitive, but also social and emotional skills—such as empathy, creativity, persistence, and emotional regulation—are essential for addressing personal and collective challenges and uncertainties. These competencies are fundamental to creating vibrant, innovative economies where people can work together effectively, adapt to new challenges, and lead with empathy and integrity. The benefits of educational attainment and cognitive skills have been studied extensively, but, with new data, also the benefits of social and emotional skills are increasingly understood: In the workplace, social and emotional skills foster effective collaboration, enable creative approaches, and drive innovation—qualities that are indispensable in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape. On a societal level, social and emotional skills are the foundation that holds communities together and empower citizens to contribute to the greater good. They enable constructive dialogue, conflict resolution, and cooperation in solving shared problems. Without these skills, societies risk fragmentation, division, and an inability to tackle the collective challenges of the future. Social and emotional learning not only benefits individual learners but also helps create learning environments where collaboration, communication, and empathy are central to the educational experience. These skills—enabling students to understand and regulate their emotions, interact effectively with others, and persist through challenges—are vital for both short-term academic success and long-term personal development. Social and emotional learning enables students to engage more deeply with their studies and approach learning with greater curiosity and creativity. (...)"