Riyadh: The third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference, to be held in Riyadh on January 26-27 under the theme 'Future in Progress,' underscores Saudi Arabia's continued standing on the global competitiveness map as an active G20 member and a regional leader in transforming labor market challenges into sustainable development opportunities.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has sought to transform the conference from an annual event into a permanent action platform by activating its recommendations and monitoring the implementation of its outcomes in partnership with relevant local and international stakeholders. It has also expanded the conference's impact through ongoing initiatives such as the Global Labor Market Academy, a training and development arm that enhances the competitiveness of national talent and raises their readiness to compete regionally and globally.
The Global Labor Market Academy is one of the conference's leading initiatives. Its first edition was launched in January 2025, followed by a second edition in January 2026, with participation from 50 countries to date. 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, and aims to reach more than 75 countries between 2025 and 2028.
The conference also serves as a key launchpad for joint reports and initiatives with UN organizations, including the World Bank Group, to develop shared perspectives on youth economic empowerment and promoting professional inclusion for target groups. It further represents an innovative framework for guiding youth toward qualification and employment programs that take into account economic and social differences.
The third edition of the conference, which begins tomorrow, will discuss six strategic themes addressing the impact of technological transformations and artificial intelligence on the workforce, emerging skill requirements, workers in the informal economy, workforce resilience, and aligning labor markets with continuous progress. The conference will feature more than 200 international speakers and 40 ministers representing governments and leading international and economic organizations.