Global Labor Market Leadership: Saudi Arabia Shapes Future Of Workforce At Conference

The third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference is scheduled in Riyadh on January 26–27 under the theme "Future in Progress." The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s position within the G20 and the region. It focuses on turning labour market challenges into lasting development opportunities. The gathering also reflects ongoing economic reforms.

More than 200 international speakers and 40 ministers are expected to take part in the conference. They will represent governments, global economic institutions and major international organisations. Discussions will centre on labour market policies, technology shifts and inclusion. The size of participation signals strong international interest in Saudi labour market discussions.

The third edition will examine six main themes linked to the future of work. Sessions will cover technological change and artificial intelligence, new skills needs and workers in the informal economy. Other themes include workforce resilience and how labour markets keep pace with continuous progress. Youth employment and vulnerable groups remain central concerns across these themes.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims to shift the Global Labor Market Conference from a once‑yearly gathering into a lasting action platform. The ministry follows up conference recommendations with partners and tracks implementation results. This approach links dialogue to real programmes. It allows national and international stakeholders to coordinate labour market reforms.

To expand the conference’s influence, the ministry supports ongoing initiatives linked to its outcomes. A key initiative is the Global Labor Market Academy, which serves as a training and development arm. The academy works to strengthen national talent competitiveness. It prepares Saudi professionals to compete in regional and global labour markets.

The Global Labor Market Academy is described as one of the conference’s leading projects. Its first edition was launched in January 2025, followed by a second edition in January 2026. So far, participants have come from 50 countries. The academy’s design targets diverse labour markets. It connects learning content with real skill gaps.

The academy is delivered through a strategic partnership between the Global Labor Market Conference, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the World Bank and Takamol Holding. The partners aim to reach more than 75 countries between 2025 and 2028. The programme offers training that reflects varied economic conditions. It also supports knowledge exchange between participating states.

Global Labor Market Conference international reports and youth inclusion

The Global Labor Market Conference functions as a launch platform for joint reports and cooperative initiatives with United Nations organisations, including the World Bank Group. These collaborations develop shared views on youth economic empowerment. They also explore professional inclusion for specific target groups. The conference framework guides young people toward qualification and employment programmes tailored to social and economic differences.

The third Global Labor Market Conference, held under the "Future in Progress" theme, therefore brings together policy debate, training initiatives and international cooperation. It supports Saudi Arabia’s role on the global competitiveness map. Outcomes are designed to influence youth employment, workforce resilience and inclusive labour market growth across many countries over the coming years.

With inputs from SPA