Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the world's attention will turn tomorrow to Riyadh, the capital, as the third edition of the International Labor Market Conference commences. This prominent global event will be held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, under the theme "Shaping the Future," amidst a large international presence and high-level participation from leading decision-makers, thought leaders, and economic experts from around the globe.
Saudi Vision 2030 and the Crown Prince's role in labor market transformations
This conference is being held at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing unprecedented economic and social transformations, driven by the objectives of Vision 2030, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Vision plays a pivotal role in restructuring the local labor market and enhancing its global attractiveness and competitiveness by empowering national talent, supporting innovation, and creating a work environment that keeps pace with the rapid changes in the global economy.
The conference’s strategic partnership with the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MiSK) reflects the Crown Prince’s direct interest in empowering young people and developing their skills to become future leaders, as young people are the cornerstone of tomorrow’s economy, which is perfectly in line with the conference’s themes that focus on job quality and human capacity development.
A global platform to address common challenges
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, affirmed that the generous royal patronage of the conference embodies the Kingdom's deep commitment to its leading role in supporting global dialogue. He explained that the conference represents a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and building shared visions aimed at developing more flexible and inclusive labor policies, capable of absorbing economic shocks and achieving a balance between economic growth and quality of life.
Broad international participation and a rich agenda
The third edition is witnessing significant momentum, with over 10,000 participants representing 100 countries, including more than 40 labor ministers and representatives from major international organizations and the private sector. Over 200 speakers will discuss a range of pressing issues across 50 dialogue sessions, most notably:
- The real effects of artificial intelligence on jobs and productivity.
- The new global skills landscape in light of digital transformation.
- Changes in global trade patterns and their direct impact on employment.
- Addressing the challenges of informal economies and building resilient labor markets.
Strategic partnerships and practical outcomes
The conference boasts strategic partnerships with prestigious organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The event will also witness the graduation of the first cohort from the "Labor Market Academy," a practical step aimed at building the capacity of policymakers. Furthermore, a ministerial meeting will be held, bringing together labor ministers from 40 countries to discuss immediate employment pathways, further solidifying the conference's position as a leading global platform for translating theoretical discussions into concrete policies and initiatives that serve the global economy.
