Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to solidify its position as a global hub for dialogue on the future of work by hosting the third edition of the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC). This prominent event, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is scheduled to take place on January 26 and 27, 2026, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
Strategic context within the Kingdom's Vision 2030
Hosting this conference is not an isolated event, but rather an integral part of the profound transformations the Kingdom is undergoing within the framework of Vision 2030. As the Kingdom strives to diversify its economy away from oil and build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, developing the labor market, empowering national talent, and attracting global talent have become top priorities. The previous two editions of the conference, which began in 2023, have successfully established a prestigious international reputation, becoming a key platform that brings together experts and policymakers from around the world to exchange ideas and discuss best practices, reflecting Saudi Arabia's leading role in shaping the future of labor markets regionally and internationally.
Global importance and multidimensional impact
The conference derives its significance from the nature of the challenges it addresses, which are not confined to any one country. Topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, the urgent need to develop new skills, and the integration of workers in the informal economy are global issues that require collaborative solutions. Domestically, the conference provides an opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its ambitious labor reforms and benefit from international expertise to accelerate the achievement of its Vision 2030 goals. Regionally, the conference is seen as a beacon that countries in the region can follow in developing their labor policies. Internationally, the participation of major organizations such as the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development lends considerable weight to its recommendations, which could contribute to shaping fairer and more sustainable labor policies worldwide.
“Shaping the Future”: A packed agenda and innovative events
Under the theme “Shaping the Future,” the conference brings together a distinguished group of decision-makers, business leaders, and experts. In this regard, His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his generous patronage, affirming that “this patronage reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international cooperation and developing innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing the resilience of labor markets and empowering the workforce everywhere.”.
The third edition will feature broad participation, including 45 ministers from various countries, more than 200 speakers, and over 7,000 attendees. The conference agenda will cover six main themes, including technological transformations, future skills, and workforce flexibility. For the first time, the conference will offer innovative formats such as hackathons to develop practical solutions and focus groups for sharing experiences, alongside specialized academic discussions, making it an interactive and comprehensive platform for shaping the future of work.
