The Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 has officially launched its second edition in Riyadh, setting the stage for a transformative era of global workforce development. This year’s edition was highlighted by the signing of 31 pivotal agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on the very first day, a move that is expected to create thousands of new jobs and training opportunities across diverse sectors. These groundbreaking agreements aim to drive employment opportunities and economic growth, with a primary focus on empowering youth and underrepresented groups through education, innovation, and skills development.
One of the conference’s primary goals is to bridge the gap in youth employment worldwide by equipping the younger generation with the necessary skills and training to succeed in an ever-evolving job market. The agreements signed during the first day of the conference focus on a range of issues including education initiatives, leadership preparation, capacity-building programs, and knowledge-sharing collaborations. The training programs will serve diverse segments of society, with particular emphasis on new graduates, women, and people with disabilities, ensuring they are prepared for suitable employment opportunities.
The agreements underscore a collective push toward Saudi Vision 2030, a roadmap aimed at transforming the Kingdom’s workforce and improving economic performance. These initiatives focus on enhancing operational efficiency, promoting innovation, and driving value creation in alignment with the goals of the national vision.
Some of the most notable entities involved in these transformative agreements include the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Takamol Holding, INSEAD, UiPath, Bella Vista Institute, the Saudi Logistics Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. These partnerships bring together academic institutions, governmental bodies, and private sector organizations in a bid to address the global employment crisis through collaboration and mutual support.
A few key collaborations have already emerged from the conference. INSEAD, a global leader in executive education, will be providing crucial academic services to enhance leadership development. Similarly, Space Faculty and ProFun have joined forces to explore cutting-edge innovation and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at enriching the workforce. Bella Vista Institute and the Saudi Logistics Academy will be offering tailored leadership development training programs designed to enhance the skills of professionals in the region.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism has partnered with Marriott Hotels and Arabian Airports to develop workforce qualifications and training programmes, aimed at strengthening the hospitality sector. Another significant collaboration is the creation of the Kaspersky Knowledge Transfer Centre, which is set to play a key role in enhancing cybersecurity skills among students and employees, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the challenges of the digital era.
Takamol Holding Company has been particularly active in this year’s conference, signing several agreements aimed at expanding its reach. They have partnered with UiPath to explore cooperative ventures, INSEAD Abu Dhabi for academic services, Bella Vista Institute for leadership development programs, and Space Faculty for enhanced programme delivery. These agreements will help to accelerate workforce training and enhance the quality of professional development opportunities for individuals across various industries.
The conference, being held at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Centre (KAICC), will continue throughout the week with more panel discussions, additional MoU signings, and further explorations of key labour market topics. These discussions will tackle pressing issues such as the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, workplace inclusivity, addressing the skills gap, and navigating regulatory concerns regarding the future of work.
This year’s GLMC has attracted an impressive lineup of participants, including over 40 labour ministers from G20 nations and key regions including Europe, Asia, MENA, Africa, and the Americas. The event also features government officials, international organization leaders, academics, and labour market experts from over 100 countries. This makes the GLMC one of the most important global forums for tackling youth unemployment, promoting workforce mobility, and integrating technology in the workplace.
The GLMC conference not only serves as a platform for knowledge exchange but also encourages the development of collaborative solutions for inclusive and resilient labour markets. As the world adapts to the changing nature of work, the GLMC continues to push for more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable strategies that will enable the workforce to meet the demands of the future.
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