The International Labor Market Conference kicks off in Riyadh under the patronage of King Salman
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the third edition of the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) will commence tomorrow in Riyadh, the capital. Held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center under the theme "Shaping the Future," this global event underscores the Kingdom's position as a pivotal hub for international dialogue on the most pressing economic and developmental issues.
The context of transformation and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This conference is not being held in a vacuum, but rather within the context of the major transformations taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, which has placed labor market development and human capital development at the forefront of its priorities. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has successfully launched several impactful initiatives to enhance the skills of its national workforce, increase women's participation, and attract global talent, making Riyadh the ideal platform for discussing the future of jobs globally.
International presence and strategic partnerships
His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, affirmed that the generous royal patronage of the conference embodies the Kingdom's commitment to supporting international efforts to address labor market challenges. The event is witnessing unprecedented participation, with over 10,000 attendees from 100 countries, including 40 labor ministers and representatives from major organizations such as the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme, thus lending significant international weight to the conference's outcomes.
Topics discussing artificial intelligence and skills
The third edition of the conference focuses on six key themes reflecting the changing realities of the global economy. These include the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on job productivity and quality, shifts in global trade patterns, and the "new global skills landscape" and the need to bridge the gap between education and market demands. The conference will also address informal economies and ways to integrate them, as well as building resilient labor markets capable of withstanding crises.
Importance and expected impact
This event is of exceptional importance given the current state of the global economy, as countries seek innovative solutions to reduce unemployment and adapt to automation. The conference is expected to produce practical recommendations and policies that will contribute to the development of more comprehensive and flexible labor legislation at both the regional and international levels. The conference will also witness the graduation of the first cohort from the "Labor Market Academy" and will include an expanded ministerial meeting to discuss immediate employment pathways, further solidifying the Kingdom's leading role in shaping the future of work globally.
