Global Labor Market Conference Opens With Ministerial Dialogue On High-Impact Sectors And Job Creation

Riyadh: The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) opened in Riyadh with a ministerial panel examining how high-impact sectors can drive job creation, workforce readiness, and inclusive economic growth amid global labor market transitions. Titled High-Impact Sectors as Drivers of Job Creation, the session brought together ministers and international leaders to discuss how targeted public policy, strategic investment, and closer collaboration between governments, the private sector, and development institutions can unlock employment opportunities across both established and emerging industries.

H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighted tourism as one of the world’s largest employment-generating sectors, accounting for approximately 10 percent of global GDP and supporting around 370 million jobs worldwide. He noted that women hold approximately 45 percent of tourism jobs globally, while youth account for around 80 percent, underscoring the sector’s importance for inclusive participation.

H.E. Al-Khateeb emphasized that Vision 2030 has enabled the development of new sectors in Saudi Arabia, including education-linked tourism and cultural tourism. He noted that the Ministry of Tourism has a clear mandate to prepare young Saudis for careers in the tourism sector. This effort is supported by significant investment in training and development programs.

He added that Saudi Arabia is seeking to create between 400,000 and 600,000 new jobs in the hospitality industry, with a focus on ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills required to succeed and progress within the sector. H.E. Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasised the role of governments in shaping future-ready labor markets by setting the right policy frameworks, supporting the adoption of new technologies, and ensuring education systems promote continuous upskilling and reskilling.

He highlighted the importance of the private sector in promoting supportive working environments and providing on-the-job training, noting that global competitiveness depends on close cooperation between public and private actors. Within this context, H.E. Al-Khorayef referred to the launch of an Occupational and Skills Framework for the Mining and Industrial Sectors, which covers more than 500 occupations and details the skills required for each role. He noted that the framework supports the wider training ecosystem and enables a clearer understanding of labor market requirements across a range of sectors, contributing to the long-term competitiveness of the Saudi economy.

H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, highlighted infrastructure as one of the most inclusive sectors for job creation, generating both direct and indirect employment through strong multiplier effects. He noted that infrastructure projects deliver broad economic and social benefits, with financing in the sector supporting long-term national development outcomes. H.E. Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye, emphasised the continued importance of manufacturing to national and global economic growth. He underscored the need to promote decent, just, and sustainable jobs while addressing informality in labor markets.

H.E. Hind Aboud Kabawat, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor of the Syrian Arab Republic, addressed the labor market challenges associated with post-conflict recovery, including the return of displaced populations. She noted that while these challenges are significant, they also present opportunities to benefit from the international experience and skills acquired by returning workers.

Overall, the ministerial discussion underscored the shared importance of skills development, institutional reform, and cross-sector collaboration in building resilient labor markets. Participants highlighted the need for policies that align education, training, and labor demand to support sustainable job creation and inclusive growth.