More than 45 agreements were signed on the opening day of the third Global Labor Market Conference in Saudi Arabia, creating thousands of new training and employment opportunities, according to organisers.
The agreements were concluded between a wide range of public and private sector organisations and focused on modern and future work models, skills development, technology adoption and better alignment between workforce supply and sector needs. Details were shared in a press release issued on the first day of the event.
Several partnerships involved the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and digital employment platforms, including Bayt.com and Shiftat. These agreements are intended to expand access to flexible and digital job opportunities, reflecting changing labour market trends and the growing demand for alternative employment models.
Other collaborations were signed with institutions such as the Financial Academy and the Saudi Retail Academy. These initiatives aim to strengthen national skills and capacity building in line with evolving labour market requirements and sector-specific demands.
Technology and innovation also featured strongly among the agreements. A number of deals focused on integrating advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into labour market systems. This included future-of-work initiatives developed in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund, designed to support smart employment solutions and more effective training programmes.
Sector-based cooperation was expanded through new partnerships with government bodies such as the Ministry of Sport and the General Entertainment Authority. These agreements seek to link training pathways more directly with employment opportunities in high-growth sectors, ensuring that skills development translates into jobs.
Institutional cooperation and knowledge-sharing were also key themes. One agreement between Takamol Holding and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events aims to improve operational standards and contribute to the development of sustainable labour market ecosystems through collaboration and best practice exchange.
The first day of the conference brought together more than 40 labour ministers and senior international officials, alongside business leaders and academics from across the globe. Discussions focused on labour market transformation, workforce resilience and the future of employment.
A high-level ministerial roundtable, chaired by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al Rajhi, concluded with agreement on six priority actions, reflecting shared views on addressing labour market challenges at both national and international levels.
The programme also included a ministerial session examining high-impact sectors as drivers of job creation. The session explored how targeted public policy, strategic investment and closer cooperation between governments, the private sector and development institutions can unlock employment opportunities in both established and emerging industries.
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted tourism as a major global job-creating sector. He pointed to its contribution to global gross domestic product, its support for hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide and its strong participation by women and young people. He also outlined how Saudi Vision 2030 has supported the development of new tourism segments and noted continued investment in training programmes 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, spoke about the role of governments in shaping labour markets that are prepared for future demands. He referenced regulation, support for advanced technologies and education systems that encourage lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling. He also highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in providing supportive work environments and on-the-job training, pointing to the launch of a new occupational and skills framework for the mining and industrial sectors covering more than 500 professions.
International perspectives were reflected in contributions from Turkiye’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Isikhan, who discussed the ongoing role of manufacturing in economic growth while addressing informal employment. Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat focused on labour market challenges and opportunities linked to post-conflict recovery, including the return of displaced populations.
The opening day also featured thematic sessions on global trade shifts and their impact on jobs and skills demand. Other discussions examined emerging skills ecosystems, new training and mobility models, and the effects of artificial intelligence on job quality and workforce structures.
Side events included marking the 10th anniversary of the Musaned platform and the launch of the World Bank report What Works for Work, which brings together insights from more than 100 successful labour programmes worldwide.
The two-day conference, organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is being held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. It began on Jan. 26 and includes sessions on informal economies, workforce resilience to crises and redefining labour market success around job quality, wellbeing and inclusive growth.
