#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Global Labor Market #Work Transformation

Global Labor Market Conference 2025: A New Era for Global Work

The recently concluded Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 at the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh marked a pivotal moment for international collaboration in shaping the future of labor. Spanning two intensive days, the event attracted over 10,000 participants, including 40 labor ministers and more than 200 experts from over 100 countries. This incredible turnout emphasized GLMC's growing importance as a global forum dedicated to advancing labor market practices worldwide.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, delivered a keynote address that highlighted key initiatives, notably the unveiling of the Global Labor Charter. This groundbreaking charter is built on eight foundational pillars aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of youth workforce integration, readiness for digital transformation, and enhanced public-private collaboration. The initiative calls for innovative, employment-driven solutions that will redefine labor markets.

In addition, the announcement of the Labor Market Academy—a partnership between GLMC, the World Bank, and Takamol Holding—set a robust framework for cultivating future leaders in labor policy. With an initial cohort of 30 participants due to increase to 600 over the next three years, the academy's mission is to foster global policy innovation and knowledge sharing.

Furthermore, the conference introduced two significant GLMC Policy Labs developed with the World Bank's collaboration. The Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) Lab will focus on youth integration into the workforce through targeted employment initiatives, while the Sectoral Skills Councils (SSCs) Lab aims to enhance private sector participation in skill development and workforce planning.

A standout achievement during the conference was the signing of 70 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and strategic agreements between various governmental entities and the private sector. These accords are projected to benefit over 300,000 individuals, creating pathways for enhanced workforce skills and expanding employment opportunities all while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. This illustrates a collective commitment to innovation in labor policies and the development of resilient labor markets.

Among the significant partnerships formed were collaborations involving the Ministry of Tourism, Takamol Holding, INSEAD, and the Saudi Digital Academy. Each of these associations aims to drive advancements in education, workforce effectiveness, and skill enhancement.

The conference also unveiled an international report titled “Making Labor Markets Work for the Youth”, co-developed with the World Bank. This report scrutinizes the participation of economically inactive youth aged 15 to 24, shedding light on the implications of their disengagement from the labor market. It presents a strategic framework alongside successful case studies to address the challenges faced by this demographic.

Over the course of the event, 40 panel discussions featuring 200 global experts took place, focusing on critical labor market issues. Topics included the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence on employment, demographic shifts affecting labor markets, strategies for bridging skills gaps, and the promotion of green jobs. The discussions sought to generate innovative solutions to enhance the sustainability of labor markets.

As one of the most influential platforms for global labor market development, GLMC is enhancing its role as an international hub for cooperation. By bringing together governments, private sector leaders, and global institutions, GLMC facilitates essential knowledge exchanges, enabling participants to analyze labor market trends and design forward-thinking policies that can adapt to the rapid changes in the work landscape.

The success of the Global Labor Market Conference 2025 underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to leading in the global arena of labor market innovation. By fostering collaboration and focusing on policy advancements, the conference lays the groundwork for a resilient and inclusive workforce worldwide. The ongoing influence of GLMC as a year-round knowledge hub reaffirms the Kingdom's dedication to developing sustainable labor markets in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 through proactive human capital development.