Glmc 2026 Opens In Riyadh Under Patronage Of The Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques

Riyadh will host the third Global Labor Market Conference on 26 and 27 January 2026 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The gathering will take place under the theme "Future in Progress" and will attract wide international participation.

The conference is organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which confirms Saudi Arabia’s intention to participate actively in global labour discussions. Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi notes that holding this third edition under royal patronage shows the Kingdom’s commitment to international dialogue on the future of work and on labour market challenges.

According to Ahmed Al-Rajhi, the Global Labor Market Conference serves as an international forum where policymakers, specialists and major stakeholders exchange experience and shape shared perspectives. The minister explains that the outcomes are expected to guide more adaptable and inclusive labour policies, improve workforce readiness, and support a balance between economic expansion and quality of life, consistent with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

The third Global Labor Market Conference will revolve around six main themes linked to global labour market shifts. These include changes in trade and their impact on jobs, the growth of informal economies, the evolving global skills map, and the real influence of artificial intelligence on employment and productivity. The agenda also covers crisis-resilient labour markets and better job quality, with special attention to youth.

This year’s Global Labor Market Conference will welcome more than 10,000 participants representing 100 countries. The event will host over 40 labour ministers, along with delegations from international organisations, the private sector and academic bodies. More than 200 speakers will address audiences across over 50 sessions during the two-day programme in Riyadh.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development will organise the Global Labor Market Conference in strategic partnership with leading international bodies. These include the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Organization for Migration, UN Tourism and the Labour Centre of the Organisation of Islamic Conference.

Further partners in the Global Labor Market Conference are King’s Trust International and the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk). These partnerships are expected to enhance the conference’s international nature, diversify perspectives, and support more informed outcomes, especially as labour market issues link closely with development, mobility, skills, tourism and broader economic strategies worldwide.

Global Labor Market Conference role in global labor market dialogue

A central feature of the Global Labor Market Conference will be the Ministerial Meeting that gathers labour ministers from more than 40 countries. The ministers will discuss practical, near-term employment pathways that reflect current global transformations. Linked activities will include signing agreements and memoranda of understanding, bilateral meetings between delegations and the launch of new initiatives.

The Global Labor Market Conference will also mark the graduation of the first cohort of the Labor Market Academy. This step forms part of wider efforts to build the capabilities of policymakers and develop specialised expertise in labour market analysis and management. The academy aims to encourage international knowledge sharing and deepen technical understanding in this area.

Organisers describe the Global Labor Market Conference as one of the leading international platforms dedicated to labour market issues. The event aims to convert global dialogue into concrete policies and initiatives, reinforce cooperation between countries and encourage labour markets that are more resilient and sustainable. These efforts seek to support economic competitiveness at local, regional and global levels.

The third Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh is therefore positioned as a major moment for worldwide labour discussions, connecting Saudi Vision 2030 priorities with global debates on work, technology and youth employment. Through its wide participation, strategic partnerships and detailed agenda, the conference is expected to inform future labour policies in Saudi Arabia and abroad.

With inputs from SPA