Global Labor Market Conference 2026 Concludes with Six Key Initiatives for Workforce Strengthening

Global Labor Market Conference 2026: A New Path for Global Employment

The third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) took place in Riyadh, where 40 labor ministers from G20 nations and other regions gathered to address pressing global employment issues. Chaired by His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, the conference emphasized the need for robust international cooperation among policymakers and industry experts to tackle the challenges facing labor markets today.

In his opening remarks, expounding the importance of constructive dialogue, the chair highlighted that the roundtable serves as a foundational platform for collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening international cooperation. "It is imperative that we engage in meaningful exchanges and build on practical experiences from various labor markets to identify areas for future collaboration," he stated.

The discussions primarily revolved around enhancing knowledge sharing between participating nations. Key issues included aligning employment policies with future labor market viability, identifying effective drivers of successful employment programs, and strengthening mechanisms to ensure coherence and integration across labor market policies.

At the conclusion of the ministerial roundtable, a consensus was reached on six priority actions:
1. Enhancing Recognition and Portability of Skills: This includes promoting mobility across sectors and borders to support the workforce.
2. Fostering Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence: Governments will implement strategies that promote transparency and oversight in employing AI within labor market frameworks.
3. Adapting Social Protection Systems: This involves making adjustments that aid mobility and professional transitions, ensuring that labor protection follows workers in their journeys.
4. Leveraging Data and Analytics: The ministers acknowledged the necessity of using data-driven approaches to connect individuals with opportunities, facilitating job placements and skill development.
5. Advancing Workforce Planning: Early identification of disruptions will be crucial in preparing employment systems for economic shocks and structural changes.
6. Improving Pathways to Employment: The roundtable aims to create access points that connect individuals with meaningful opportunities for growth and development.

This third instance of the ministerial meeting in Riyadh has established itself as a cornerstone of the GLMC, transforming into a vital global platform for evidence-based dialogue and cooperation regarding the future of labor markets worldwide.

Strategic partnerships with leading international organizations further strengthen the conference’s initiatives, including collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), King's Trust International, UN Tourism, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk).

The Global Labor Market Conference, themed “Future in Progress,” was hosted at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) on January 26 and 27, 2026. The event gathered ministers, heads, and representatives from international organizations, private sector leaders, policymakers, thought leaders, and experts from around the globe, featuring more than 200 speakers across over 50 sessions, attended by more than 10,000 participants from various countries.

With its focus on collaboration, the outcome of the GLMC 2026 aims to provide significant momentum towards inclusive future labor markets, ensuring that systems are equipped to adapt to and thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.