The Global Labor Market Conference concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today with 90 strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between government entities and the private sector.
The agreements are expected to benefit more than 6 million people within and beyond Saudi Arabia. They focus on skills development, digital transformation, flexible employment opportunities and sector-specific partnerships.
The third edition of the conference drew over 10,000 attendees, including 40 labour ministers and more than 200 international speakers and experts representing over 100 countries. The event was held under the theme “Future in Progress” at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center.
Four key priority areas
The agreements and MOUs concentrated on developing skills and leadership capabilities, advancing digital transformation and AI adoption, expanding flexible and freelance employment opportunities, and strengthening partnerships that align training with labour market needs.
Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnein, vice-minister of human resources and social development for labour, delivered closing remarks following two days of discussions on labour market challenges.
“GLMC is designed to be a continuous platform for collaboration throughout the year, with partnerships and knowledge exchange extending beyond the conference days,” said Abuthnein.
Research reports released
The conference released two reports in collaboration with the World Bank. “What Works for Work: A Guidebook to Proven and Promising Employment Solutions” was developed with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to support policymakers designing labour market programs.
“A Decade of Progress” provides a review of Saudi Arabia’s labour market transformation over the past 10 years, documenting achievements under Vision 2030 and the Labour Market Strategy.
Ministerial roundtable and academy graduation
The conference opened with a ministerial roundtable chaired by Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development, and attended by 40 labour ministers and the director-general of the International Labour Organization. The ministers agreed on six measures to shape the future of work.
The conference also celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Labour Market Academy, comprising 36 graduates from 34 countries, and launched the second cohort with participants from 31 countries.
