Riyadh to Host the Global Labor Market Conference in January 2026

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is set to welcome the third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) on January 26 and 27, 2026. This prestigious event is organized under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The venue for this significant gathering will be the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC).

The GLMC 2026 will serve as a platform bringing together policymakers, business leaders, labor market experts, and representatives from international organizations. With the theme "Future in Progress," the conference aims to address crucial issues regarding the future of work and labor markets worldwide.

His Excellency Eng. Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, expressed gratitude for the dignified patronage of King Salman. He emphasized that the GLMC has become a cornerstone of the global labor arena, facilitating meaningful dialogue on the future of work. The Minister reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to advancing international cooperation and fostering innovative solutions that empower labor markets and support workers worldwide.

The upcoming conference expects over 45 international ministers to participate, including a special ministerial roundtable to drive political solutions for labor issues globally. The comprehensive agenda will cover six thematic pillars focusing on challenges such as the implications of trade shifts and artificial intelligence on the workforce, new skills required, workers in the informal economy, workforce resilience, and adapting labor markets to human progress.

In an effort to remain relevant and impactful, the conference will introduce several innovative formats this year. These include political "hackathons" for generating innovative policy solutions, spotlight sessions where speakers will tackle their greatest workforce challenges and their most ambitious policy experiments. Additionally, opportunities will be made available for academics to present pressing topics for discussion.

More than 200 speakers and over 7,000 participants are anticipated, participating in more than 50 events throughout the program. Since its inception in 2023, the GLMC has transformed into a year-round global think tank dedicated to fostering research, innovation, and partnerships aimed at improving global labor markets.

Through continuous initiatives such as the Global Labor Market Academy—a collaboration between GLMC, the World Bank, and Takamol Holding—the GLMC has established itself as a catalyst for action. It is focused on generating real solutions that empower governments, businesses, and workers to create more sustainable work systems. The conference aims to develop advanced strategies to meet labor market challenges and establish frameworks that enhance workforce stability and adaptability.

As the Global Labor Market Conference approaches, anticipation builds for the networking opportunities and collaborative discussions that will pave the way for impactful labor policies and initiatives. The conference promises to be a significant event for anyone engaged in shaping the future of work, providing insights and strategies that can be applied worldwide.

With a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration, GLMC 2026 will certainly contribute to a brighter future for labor markets across the globe.