The Global Labor Market Conference 2025 concluded this evening at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may Allah protect him. The event saw an impressive turnout of over 10,000 participants from around the world, including 40 Ministers of Labor , more than 200 speakers and international experts , representing over 100 countries.
The second edition of the conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development under the theme "The Future of Work", witnessed the signing of 70 agreements and memoranda of understanding between government entities and private sector companies, benefiting over 300,000 individuals.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the Labor Market Academy, the inauguration of Policy Labs, and the introduction of two main laboratories focusing on Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) to enhance youth integration into labor markets, and Sectoral Skills Councils (SSCs) to support private sector engagement in skills development.
Additionally, several strategic agreements were signed between public and private sector entities to support the labor market, enhance training and employment opportunities, develop skills, and empower national talent across various key sectors.
On the second day of the conference, several memoranda of understanding were signed to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and the private sector, fostering an improved work environment and promoting innovation in training and education.
As part of its ongoing research and analysis efforts, the conference released an international report titled "Harnessing Labor Markets for the Benefit of Youth", developed in partnership with the World Bank. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of economically inactive youth aged 15-24.
Over the two days of the conference, 40 panel discussions were held, featuring 200 international speakers, addressing critical issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence and modern technologies on employment, demographic changes in labor markets, bridging the skills gap to meet labor market needs, and strategies for empowering youth and supporting green jobs.
The Global Labor Market Conference has established itself as one of the world's leading platforms for governments, private sector entities, international organizations, and industry experts to exchange knowledge, analyze global trends, and develop innovative strategies for adapting to the rapid transformations in the global labor market.
The resounding success of the second edition of the conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to playing a pioneering role in shaping the future of work globally through innovation, strategic partnerships, and workforce empowerment. As the conference concludes, it marks the beginning of a new phase focused on policy development and labor market adaptation to future transformations, where innovation, collaboration, and preparedness for change remain key to ensuring a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive workforce for decades to come.