More than 45 agreements signed at Global Labor Market Conference

28/01/2026 05:31 AST

Thousands of training and employment opportunities have been generated by more than 45 agreements signed on the opening day of the third Global Labor Market Conference in Saudi Arabia.

The deals, signed among a broad range of public and private sector entities, focused on advancing modern and future work models, skills development, technology adoption, and sector-based workforce alignment, according to a press release.

Partnerships between the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and digital employment platforms such as Bayt.com and Shiftat aim to expand flexible and digital job opportunities.

Collaborations with institutions, including the Financial Academy and the Saudi Retail Academy, seek to strengthen national skills and capacity building in line with evolving labor market demands.

Additional agreements emphasized the integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into labor market systems, including future-of-work initiatives with the Human Resources Development Fund to support smart employment and training solutions.

Sector-specific cooperation was also expanded through partnerships with government entities such as the Ministry of Sport and the General Entertainment Authority, linking training pathways more closely with employment opportunities in high-growth sectors.

Institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange featured prominently, including an agreement between Takamol Holding and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events to enhance operational excellence and support the development of sustainable labor market ecosystems.

The first day of the conference brought together more than 40 labor ministers and senior international officials, alongside executives and academics from around the world.

A high-level ministerial roundtable, chaired by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al Rajhi, concluded with consensus on six priority actions.

The program also featured a ministerial session on high-impact sectors as drivers of job creation, examining how targeted public policies, strategic investments, and stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, and development institutions can unlock employment opportunities in established and emerging industries.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted his sector as a major global job-creating sector, noting its contribution to global gross domestic product, its role in supporting hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide, and its strong participation by women and youth.

He outlined how Saudi Vision 2030 has enabled the development of new tourism segments and emphasized ongoing investments in training programs aimed at preparing Saudi youth for long-term careers, with plans to create between 400,000 and 600,000 new hospitality jobs.

Bandar Alkhorayef, minister of industry and mineral resources, underscored the role of governments in shaping future-ready labor markets through effective regulation, support for advanced technologies, and education systems that promote lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling.

He also highlighted the importance of private sector participation in providing supportive work environments and on-the-job training, referencing the launch of a new occupational and skills framework for the mining and industrial sectors covering more than 500 professions.

International perspectives were also reflected in contributions from Turkiye's Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Isikhan, who emphasized the continued importance of manufacturing in driving economic growth while addressing informal employment, and Syria's Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat, who discussed labor market challenges and opportunities in post-conflict recovery, particularly related to the return of displaced populations.

The opening day featured thematic sessions on global trade shifts and their impact on jobs and skills demand. Discussions also explored emerging skills ecosystems, innovative training and mobility models, and the implications of artificial intelligence for job quality and workforce structures.

Side events marked the 10th anniversary of the Musaned platform and the launch of the World Bank report "What Works for Work," which compiles lessons from more than 100 successful labor programs worldwide.

Organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the two-day event began on Jan. 26, with sessions focused on informal economies, workforce resilience to crises, and redefining labor market success around job quality, wellbeing, and inclusive growth.

Arab News