#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Global Labor Market #GLMC 2025 #Youth Employment

Closing of the Global Labor Market Conference 2025

The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 has successfully concluded its second edition at the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year's conference saw over 10,000 participants, 40 labor ministers, and more than 200 global experts convening to discuss critical labor market issues and the future of work over two days filled with enlightening discussions and agreements.

Keynote speaker H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, unveiled the Global Labor Charter, a comprehensive initiative arising from a Ministerial Roundtable. This charter introduces eight fundamental pillars, focusing on youth integration into the workforce, digital transformation readiness, investment in human capital, and enhancing cooperation between governments and businesses to drive employable solutions.

In a significant step towards shaping future labor market leaders, the Labor Market Academy was launched, representing a collaborative effort between GLMC, the World Bank, and Takamol Holding. This academy aims to cultivate advanced policymaking skills among 30 inaugural participants, with plans to expand to 600 within three years, promoting global knowledge exchanges and policy innovation to adapt to labor market changes.

Furthermore, two GLMC Policy Labs were introduced in partnership with the World Bank, serving as platforms for engaging discussions focused on labor market transformation. The Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) Lab aims to bridge youth into employment through personalized initiatives, while the Sectoral Skills Councils (SSCs) Lab encourages private sector participation in skills development and workforce planning.

The conference served as a pivotal driver for global labor market transformation, culminating in the signing of 70 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and strategic agreements involving government and private sector representatives, positively impacting over 300,000 individuals. These agreements concentrate on enhancing workforce skills, expanding job opportunities, fostering innovation in labor policies, and building international partnerships, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and GLMC’s mission for resilient labor markets.

Noteworthy MOUs signed during the event included collaborations involving the Ministry of Tourism, Takamol Holding, INSEAD, UiPath, Proven Arabia, BVIS, and the Saudi Digital Academy. Each of these partnerships is dedicated to furthering education, improving workforce efficiencies, and advancing skill development across critical sectors.

Adding to its commitment to research, GLMC published an international report titled “Making Labor Markets Work for the Youth,” produced in collaboration with the World Bank. This report delves into the challenges facing economically inactive youth aged 15-24, analyzing the economic and social repercussions of their disengagement from the labor market and offering a framework to address these issues, including successful case studies and proactive solutions.

During the two-day event, 40 panel discussions took place, featuring insights from 200 global speakers on vital topics such as the influence of artificial intelligence on employment, demographic transitions in labor markets, strategies to bridge skill gaps, and cultivating green job opportunities. This extensive dialogue brought together prominent figures from public and private sectors, international organizations, and academic leaders to foster innovative solutions for sustainable labor markets.

Recognized as a significant global platform for labor development, GLMC has successfully established itself as an essential international hub. It unites governments, private sector leaders, global institutions, and thought leaders to share knowledge, analyze trends, and design future-proof policies to keep pace with the swiftly evolving world of work.

The resounding success of the Global Labor Market Conference 2025 exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation in shaping the future of work and promoting progress in the global labor market. By enhancing partnerships and focusing on policy advancements, the conference lays the groundwork for a resilient and inclusive global workforce. Additionally, GLMC's transition into a year-round knowledge hub ensures continuous collaboration and impactful outcomes, reinforcing the Kingdom's dedication to sustainable labor markets and advancing Saudi Vision 2030 through human capital development.