The second edition of the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) wrapped up in Riyadh on Jan. 31, 2025, after two days of discussions involving over 10,000 participants, including 40 labour ministers and 200 global experts from more than 100 countries. The event, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre, resulted in the unveiling of the Global Labour Charter and the launch of a new Labour Market Academy aimed at addressing workforce challenges.
The Global Labour Charter, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, outlines eight key pillars to guide labour market policies. These include youth workforce integration, digital transformation readiness, and stronger collaboration between governments and industries. “This charter represents a shared vision for resilient and adaptive labour markets,” Al-Rajhi said during his keynote speech.
The newly established Labour Market Academy, a collaboration between GLMC, the World Bank, and Takamol Holding, will train future labour market leaders in advanced policymaking. The academy’s first cohort will include 30 participants, with plans to expand to 600 within three years.
Two GLMC Policy Labs, developed with the World Bank, were also introduced. The Active Labour Market Programs Lab focuses on youth employment initiatives, while the Sectoral Skills Councils Lab aims to increase private sector involvement in skills development and workforce planning.
The conference facilitated the signing of 70 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between governments and private sector organizations, which are expected to impact over 300,000 individuals. These agreements focus on skills development, employment opportunities, and innovation in labour policies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
A report titled Making Labour Markets Work for the Youth, produced in partnership with the World Bank, was also released. The report examines the economic and social impacts of youth disengagement from the labour market and proposes strategies to address the issue.
Over 40 panel discussions were held during the conference, covering topics such as artificial intelligence’s impact on jobs, demographic shifts, and strategies to promote green jobs. Speakers included representatives from governments, private companies, and international organizations.
The GLMC has positioned itself as a key platform for global labour market discussions, with plans to operate as a year-round knowledge hub to foster ongoing collaboration and policy innovation.
