Global Leaders Gather in Riyadh to Discuss the Future of Work
Riyadh is set to become the world’s focal point for a critical dialogue on the future of work. On Monday, the third Global Labor Market Conference will commence under the theme “Future in Progress,” convening an impressive assembly of over 10,000 participants from 100 nations. Held under the patronage of King Salman, the event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to steering the international conversation on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
The conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, will bring together a powerful coalition of stakeholders. Attendees include more than 40 labor ministers, alongside leaders from major international bodies like the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, and the United Nations, as well as private sector executives and academics.
A Platform for Shared Vision
Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi emphasized that the conference is designed as a global platform to foster collaborative solutions. The goal is to exchange expertise and build shared visions that promote more flexible, inclusive policies, enhance workforce readiness, and strike a balance between robust economic growth and improved quality of life. This mission aligns directly with the transformative goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Tackling the Core Transformations
With over 200 speakers across 50 sessions, the two-day agenda is strategically structured around six foundational pillars that define today’s labor market shifts:
- Trade Changes and Employment
- Informal Economies
- The New Global Skills Landscape
- The Real Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs and Productivity
- Building Resilient Labor Markets in Crises
- Improving Job Quality
A central focus will be on youth, recognizing them as the cornerstone of the future global economy.
From Dialogue to Action
The conference aims to translate discussion into tangible outcomes. Key highlights include a ministerial meeting with over 40 countries to forge practical employment pathways. The agenda also features the signing of new agreements and memoranda of understanding, bilateral meetings, and the launch of fresh initiatives.
A significant milestone will be the graduation of the first cohort of the Global Labor Market Academy, a program dedicated to building specialized skills and facilitating international knowledge exchange.
By gathering such a diverse and influential group in Riyadh, the conference moves beyond theoretical debate. It represents a concerted, global effort to craft proactive, humane, and innovative strategies that will define how people work, learn, and thrive in the decades to come. The world will be watching as Riyadh hosts this pivotal forum on progress, partnership, and the human potential at the heart of our shared economic future.
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