By Chinenye Anuforo, Saudi Arabia
The Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 kicked off its second edition in Riyadh with a flurry of activity, highlighted by the signing of 31 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting training and employment opportunities. The agreements, signed on the first day of the conference, will pave the way for thousands of new jobs and training programmes across various sectors.
The initiatives encompass a wide range of development and training programmes, educational initiatives, leadership preparation, and knowledge-sharing collaborations. Focus areas include qualifying diverse segments of society, including new graduates, women, and people with disabilities, for suitable employment through specialised training. The agreements also emphasise enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and driving value creation, all in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Key entities involved in these agreements include the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Takamol Holding, INSEAD, UiPath, Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education, the Saudi Logistics Academy, the Ministry of Tourism, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Several noteworthy collaborations emerged. INSEAD will provide academic services, while partnerships with Space Faculty and ProFun will explore innovation and knowledge sharing. Bella Vista Institute and the Saudi Logistics Academy will deliver tailored training programmes focused on leadership development and capacity building. The Ministry of Tourism inked MoUs with Marriott Hotels and Arabian Airports to develop workforce qualifications and training initiatives. Princess Nourah University partnered with SEA Ventures to foster entrepreneurship development. A significant development is the establishment of the Kaspersky Knowledge Transfer Centre, designed to advance cybersecurity skills among students and the workforce.
Takamol Holding Company was particularly active, signing agreements with UiPath to explore cooperation, INSEAD Abu Dhabi for academic services, Bella Vista Institute for leadership development training, and Space Faculty for enhanced programme delivery.
The GLMC 2025, organised by the MHRSD at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Centre (KAICC), continues this week with further panel sessions and the signing of additional agreements. These future discussions will tackle pressing labour market issues, including the impact of artificial intelligence, workplace inclusivity, the skills gap, and regulatory concerns surrounding the future of work.
This year’s conference has drawn thousands of participants, including over 40 labour ministers from G20 nations and regions across Europe, Asia, MENA, Africa, and the Americas, alongside leaders of international organisations, government officials, academics, and labour market experts from over 100 countries. The GLMC serves as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, addressing critical labour market challenges, sharing innovative solutions, and creating actionable strategies to combat global issues like youth unemployment, workforce mobility, and the equitable integration of technology. The conference aims to foster collaborative solutions for building resilient and inclusive labour markets worldwide.