The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2026 concluded on January 28, 2026, at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the event brought together over 10,000 participants, including 40 labor ministers and more than 200 international speakers from over 100 countries. This third iteration of the conference focused on the theme “Future in Progress” and resulted in the signing of 90 strategic agreements aimed at benefiting more than 6 million people in the labor market.
The agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) established during the conference were centered on four major areas: enhancing skills and leadership capabilities, promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption, expanding flexible and freelance employment opportunities, and fostering partnerships that align training with the evolving needs of the labor market. These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic vision and are expected to enhance sustainable growth within and beyond the Kingdom.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnein, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, delivered the closing remarks. He underscored that the GLMC serves as a continuous platform for collaboration, emphasizing the importance of ongoing partnerships and knowledge exchange that extend well beyond the conference.
The GLMC also launched two significant reports in collaboration with the World Bank. The first, titled “What Works for Work: A Guidebook to Proven and Promising Employment Solutions,” aims to assist policymakers in crafting effective labor market programs amid rapid economic and technological changes. The second report, “A Decade of Progress,” reviews the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s labor market over the last ten years, documenting key achievements under Vision 2030 and highlighting the structural reforms that have improved efficiency and inclusivity.
The conference began with a high-profile ministerial roundtable chaired by Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. The meeting culminated in the agreement on six decisive measures aimed at shaping the future of work globally.
Additionally, GLMC celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the Labor Market Academy, which included 36 graduates from 34 countries. The launch of the second cohort featured participants from 31 countries, with 19 countries participating for the first time and 12 returning from the previous year.
The success of the GLMC 2026 underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping the future of work through innovation, strategic partnerships, and workforce empowerment. With a focus on policy development and readiness for future labor market transformations, the conference marks a significant step forward in addressing global labor challenges.
