The Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), Eng. Ahmed bin Suliman Al-Rajhi, headed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation participating in today’s G20 Labor and Employment Ministerial Meeting, which was held in Indore, Republic of India. A number of labor and employment ministers of the G20 member states and invited countries participated in the meeting, along with heads of international and regional organizations, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Eng. Al-Rajhi delivered the Kingdom’s speech during which he affirmed the Kingdom's support for the Indian presidency’s priorities, which focused on important topics including addressing the global skill gap, gig and platform economy, social protection, and sustainable financing of social security, as these priorities have a tangible impact on renewable labor and employment issues.
Minister Al-Rajhi referred to the Kingdom's proactive approach in tackling issues related to skills and human capacity development, and ensuring inclusive social protection for workers, with special considerations for new forms of work. Moreover, he highlighted in his speech the most prominent initiatives and programs launched by the Kingdom in that regard, including the sectoral skills council’s initiative, the skills accelerator initiative, and the freelance portal, which resulted in a positive impact on the Saudi labor market. He also stressed the importance of effectively utilizing social protection programs, and the need to facilitate access to social security plans for all.
Eng. Al-Rajhi concluded his speech with extending thanks and appreciation to the Indian government for its warm hospitality, and successful efforts in hosting the G20 EWG meetings, while praising their apt selection of critical priorities, and extended his best wishes to the Republic of Brazil on their upcoming G20 presidency of the group.
The delegation of the Saudi Minister included Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, Dr. Ahmed Al-Zahrani, the Assistant Deputy Minister for Localization and Enablement, Eng. Muhannad Al-Essa, the Director of Agreements and International Studies Department, Maram Al-Daham, and other key specialists from the Ministry’s International Affairs Deputyship.