#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Future of Work #Global Labor Market

Riyadh to Host the Global Labor Market Conference 2026

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will be the stage for the much-anticipated third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC), scheduled for January 26-27, 2026. This event is organized under the esteemed patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and is spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The conference promises to be a significant occasion for exploring the evolving dynamics of the labor market in light of rapidly changing global conditions.

A Focused Theme: "Future in Progress"

The overarching theme for GLMC 2026 is "Future in Progress," which reflects the current shifts in labor markets worldwide. Attendees will include policy-makers, business leaders, labor market experts, and representatives from various international organizations. They will come together to discuss and devise innovative solutions to some of the most pressing employment challenges facing the world today.

His Excellency Engineer Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, expressed gratitude for the royal patronage, stating, "The GLMC has become a cornerstone of the global labor landscape and a vital platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of work." He further emphasized the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to fostering international collaboration and developing innovative solutions aimed at enhancing labor markets and empowering workers.

A Diverse Range of Topics and Formats

This year’s conference will feature over 200 speakers and is expected to draw more than 7,000 participants across more than 50 different activities. A key highlight will be the Ministerial Roundtable, which aims to promote global policy solutions for labor-related issues. The agenda encompasses six thematic pillars, including the impact of business transformations and artificial intelligence on the workforce, the acquisition of new skill sets, and the resilience of labor markets amid economic uncertainty.

Innovative formats like policy hackathons will allow participants to collaborate and create practical solutions, while spotlight sessions will challenge speakers to present their most daunting labor issues alongside their boldest political experiments. Additionally, academic participants will have the opportunity to raise urgent topics for debate.

GLMC: A Hub for Global Labor Market Research

Founded in 2023, the Global Labor Market Conference has rapidly established itself as a pivotal research center. It functions year-round to drive research, innovation, and partnerships geared towards the enrichment of global labor markets. With initiatives like the Global Labor Market Academy—an alliance between GLMC, the World Bank, and Takamol Holding—this conference has positioned itself as a catalyst for action to create sustainable labor systems, empowering governments, enterprises, and workers alike.

As we gaze towards the future, the GLMC stands poised to make substantial contributions to how we conceive and manage work in an ever-evolving landscape. The collective effort of all participants, from ministers to researchers, will undoubtedly shape the dialogue and set the stage for actionable change in labor markets worldwide.

Join us in Riyadh for what promises to be a productive, enriching, and impactful gathering!