GLMC 2026 Concludes with Six Essential Actions for Labor Market Enhancement

The Conclusion of GLMC 2026: A Step Forward for Global Labor

The third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) wrapped up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 26, 2026, marking an essential gathering for labor ministers from diverse nations. Chaired by His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, this year’s conference showcased the commitment to strengthening labor markets across the globe. With the participation of 40 labor ministers from G20 countries and beyond, the event drew collective attention to the pressing challenges and opportunities within the labor sector.

In his opening remarks, Minister Al Rajhi emphasized the necessity of fostering constructive dialogue among nations, underlining that the Ministerial Roundtable serves as a foundational aspect for promoting international cooperation. The gathering aimed to stimulate meaningful exchanges among ministers and senior officials while extracting valuable insights from practical labor market experiences. Ministers were encouraged to identify areas for future collaboration that would result in impactful outcomes.

The discussions conducted during the roundtable revolved around several critical themes. Key points of focus included aligning employment policies with the expected future landscape of work, investigating effective drivers of successful employment programs, and enhancing mechanisms for coherence among various labor market policies. As the discussions progressed, six priority actions emerged as the consensus for addressing challenges and propelling improvements in global labor markets.

1. Enhancing Skills Recognition and Portability: The ministers agreed on the need to strengthen skills recognition systems, which would facilitate the movement of workers across sectors and borders. This is crucial in a world where talent often transcends geographical boundaries.

2. Guiding the Use of Artificial Intelligence: Addressing the evolving landscape of work, the roundtable underscored the necessity to guide the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence in labor systems. This requires establishing transparent governance structures to ensure ethical oversight.

3. Adapting Social Protection Systems: Another critical area of action focused on adapting social protection mechanisms. Ministers recognized the importance of ensuring that protections accompany workers, thus better supporting mobility and career transitions throughout their working lives.

4. Utilizing Data and Analytics: The need for enhanced data usage was also spotlighted. By making better use of data and analytics, countries can connect individuals with suitable job opportunities and support skill development efforts aimed at workforce readiness.

5. Advancing Workforce Planning: The conference attendees acknowledged the importance of proactive workforce planning. This includes preparing employment systems to not only respond to economic shocks but also to adapt to structural changes in the labor market.

6. Improving Pathways to Employment: Lastly, ministers discussed strategies for improving pathways to first employment and reintegration into the labor market. These strategies aim to create routes that connect individuals to meaningful opportunities, benefiting both workers and employers alike.

With these discussions and agreed-upon actions, the Ministerial Roundtable has cemented its role as a central pillar of the GLMC. This conference has effectively established itself as a leading global platform for evidence-based dialogues and international collaboration regarding labor market futures.

The GLMC 2026, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, featured the theme