International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo concluded his participation in the third edition of the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a call for coordinated, human-centred and rights-based policies to address profound transformations reshaping labour markets worldwide.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting at the conference, which ran from 26-27 January, Director-General Houngbo highlighted how rapid technological change, demographic shifts, migration, climate shocks, and economic fragmentation and uncertainty are redefining the world of work. He stressed that these shifts are affecting job creation, job quality and inequality across regions, and require policy responses grounded in social justice, international labour standards, global cooperation and evidence-based labour market governance.
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"The challenge before us is not only how many jobs are created, but what kind of jobs, for whom, and under what conditions," Houngbo said. "The real test today is how quickly and effectively we translate reform into jobs, opportunities and dignity for people, and ensure that jobs come faster than disruption," he added.
He said technology can be a powerful driver of productivity and growth, but only if accompanied by investment in skills, strong labour institutions and effective social dialogue to ensure that workers and enterprises alike can adapt to change.
Throughout the conference, Houngbo highlighted the importance of managing transitions in a way that protects workers while enabling businesses to innovate and grow. He called for renewed investment in lifelong learning, active labour market policies and social protection systems, particularly for young people and women, who are often most exposed to labour market disruption, while devoting attention to how these transitions impact migrant and displaced workers.
During a moderated "fireside chat" discussion, Houngbo reiterated that technology can be a powerful driver of productivity and growth, but only if accompanied by investment in skills, strong labour institutions and effective social dialogue to ensure that workers and enterprises alike can adapt to change.
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On the sidelines of the conference, the Director-General held a series of bilateral meetings with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, and senior Saudi government and social partner representatives, as well as with international stakeholders. The meetings focused on strengthening cooperation on employment creation, skills development, social protection, labour migration, labour market institutions and the promotion of decent work, as well as on the ILO's ongoing partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in advancing labour market reform.
He also participated with global employer representatives in a dedicated side event focused on the impact of multiple crises on the labour market and the need to explore strategies for rapid adaptation, including technological adoption, resilient and inclusive workplaces, and strengthening social protection systems to support workers during crises.
The conference brought together ministers, social partners, business leaders and international organizations from across the world. Director-General Houngbo commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for providing the increasingly influential global platform for labour market dialogue. Especially at a time of heightened uncertainty, he noted, collective action and tripartite cooperation remain essential to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable labour markets worldwide.
