The Ministerial Roundtable Meeting for Labor Ministers concluded today, Wednesday, as part of the second edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC). The session was chaired by His Excellency Eng. Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, with the participation of 40 labor ministers from various countries across the G20, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, alongside Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
In his opening speech, Minister Al-Rajhi welcomed the distinguished labor ministers to Riyadh, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global hub for shaping and developing the future of labor markets. He highlighted that the conference serves as a strategic global platform for fostering cooperation, aligning international efforts, and exchanging expertise to formulate innovative solutions addressing labor market challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability, especially amid rapid technological transformations.
The roundtable discussions focused on urgent labor market challenges, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative and sustainable solutions. Ministers exchanged ideas and best practices, sharing insights on current labor market trends and challenges. This exchange contributed to laying a solid foundation for formulating actionable strategies that support future labor market transformations and sustainability.
Based on the ministerial discussions, Minister Al-Rajhi announced eight critical measures designed to enhance labor market resilience and inclusivity in response to pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, technological transitions, and workforce sustainability.
The eight measures include:
- Enhancing programs and initiatives that facilitate youth transition from education to employment.
- Empowering the workforce to adapt to the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence.
- Increasing investment in human capital development initiatives, including training and reskilling.
- Improving labor market flexibility to accommodate diverse work arrangements, including remote and part-time work.
- Supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by fostering job creation opportunities.
- Utilizing digital platforms and skill-based classifications to connect education, job seekers, and employers.
- Establishing initiatives to promote employment for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities and long-term unemployed individuals.
- Developing a comprehensive labor market data system to track employment trends, skills demand, wages, and workforce composition.
The Ministerial Roundtable stands as a prestigious international gathering, bringing together key leaders and decision-makers in the labor sector. It serves as a critical platform for aligning global efforts to address issues such as youth employment and unemployment, as well as discussing policy advancements that meet the evolving demands of labor markets amid economic and technological shifts.
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the second edition of the Global Labor Market Conference is held over two days at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event gathers global experts, policymakers, and more than 5,000 participants from over 100 countries, featuring 200 distinguished speakers from the labor policymakers, professional, and experts.
The conference features a wide range of activities, including signing of key agreements aimed at enhancing Global labor market cooperation, an exhibition showcasing award-winning projects by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at local, regional, and global levels, bilateral meetings connecting representatives from the public and private sectors as well as international labor organizations, the fourth edition of the Labor Award Ceremony, recognizing outstanding labor market initiatives, and over 50 specialized panel discussions co-organized with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Misk Foundation.
By fostering global dialogue, strategic partnerships, and innovative labor policies, the Global Labor Market Conference continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of work and driving sustainable economic development worldwide.
