The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) is organizing the second edition of the International Labor Market Conference (GLMC), from January 29 to 30, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Minister of Human Resources Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi expressed his thanks for this generous sponsorship, which will have a positive impact on supporting Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance modern practices in labor markets, according to the best international standards. He stressed the importance of this edition in establishing a global dialogue system to discuss opportunities and challenges and innovate strategic solutions that shape the future of the labor market in accordance with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Al Rajhi pointed out the conference's role in consolidating GLMC's position as a leading platform that supports especially research related to labor markets, stimulates dialogue and knowledge, and contributes to establishing a comprehensive ecosystem for the global labor market, in scientific partnerships with the International Labor Organization, the World Bank, and the United Nations Development Program. The conference aims to lead the global dialogue on the future of labor markets, through a series of dialogue sessions and workshops that bring together a group of experts, officials and leaders from the public and private sectors, with the participation of more than 200 speakers representing more than 50 countries, to exchange ideas and experiences and enhance cooperation to drive positive change in work practices. The GLMC also seeks to bridge the gaps within the labor markets, to reach practical visions that enable stakeholders to respond to the challenges facing the labor market, provide innovative solutions that attract the best talents, and present global standards of excellence in the labor market, both locally and globally. The conference will address a range of important topics related to global labor markets, including the continuous development and rehabilitation of skills, the impact of digital technologies on improving jobs and wages, and how skill-based jobs can enhance the effectiveness of the labor market in the future. The GLMC will highlight productivity in different markets and the factors affecting it, the role of the mobile workforce in strengthening economies, the challenges facing young people in the labor market, smart policies and their ability to empower young people to become professionals and contributors to economic mobility. In addition, the conference will discuss the role of small and medium enterprises in innovation and encouraging young people, and how they can be supported for growth, digital transformation and the creation of more productive jobs. — SG
