Riyadh hosts the International Labor Market Conference 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, Riyadh is preparing to host the third edition of the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC), organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This prominent global event is scheduled to take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center from January 26-27, 2026, reaffirming the Kingdom's leading role in shaping the global economic and labor landscape.
A global platform for shaping the future
This year's conference, themed "Shaping the Future," serves as a strategic forum bringing together leading decision-makers, labor ministers, business leaders, and academic experts from across the globe. This edition aims to move beyond the traditional approach to challenges, fostering innovative and practical solutions that address the rapid changes in the global economy, particularly in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and major digital transformations.
The context of transformation and Vision 2030
This hosting is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing radical transformations in its domestic labor market as part of its Vision 2030. In recent years, the Kingdom has successfully developed an attractive work environment, reduced unemployment rates, and empowered women, making its experience an inspiring model to share with the international community. The conference reflects the Kingdom's commitment not only to developing its domestic market but also to actively contributing to addressing global labor issues and strengthening international cooperation.
A rich agenda and international partnerships
The third edition features an intensive program including the participation of 45 ministers in a special ministerial session to discuss international policies, along with the attendance of more than 200 speakers and 7,000 participants. The conference's six main themes focus on pressing issues, most notably the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of jobs, ways to develop skills to keep pace with technology, mechanisms for integrating workers in the informal economy, and enhancing workforce flexibility.
What gives the conference added international weight is its strategic partnerships with major organizations such as the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. These partnerships ensure that the conference will produce actionable recommendations with global credibility.
Innovation and practical solutions
The event will not be limited to traditional dialogue sessions, but will also feature innovative formats such as hackathons to develop technological solutions to employment challenges, and focus groups to showcase successful experiences. In this regard, His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, expressed his gratitude to the wise leadership, emphasizing that this patronage reflects the Kingdom's commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and empowering the global workforce, noting that the conference has become a key event on the international labor market.
