At the Global Labour Market Conference held in Riyadh from 26–27 January 2026, International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo called for coordinated, human-centred, and rights-based policy responses to address major transformations affecting labour markets worldwide. He emphasized the importance of inclusive growth, a just transition, and renewed social dialogue amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and labour market disruption.
Houngbo highlighted that rapid technological change, demographic shifts, migration, climate shocks, and increasing economic fragmentation are reshaping the world of work. These forces, he noted, are influencing job creation, job quality, and inequality across regions, requiring policy responses grounded in social justice, international labour standards, global cooperation, and evidence-based labour market governance.
He stressed that the key challenge facing policymakers is not only the number of jobs created but also the quality of those jobs, who benefits from them, and the conditions under which they are delivered. Houngbo underlined the urgency of translating labour market reforms into tangible employment opportunities that provide dignity and security, ensuring that job creation keeps pace with disruption.
The ILO Director-General emphasized that while technology has the potential to drive productivity and economic growth, these benefits can only be realized through sustained investment in skills development, strong labour institutions, and effective social dialogue. Such measures, he said, are essential to enable both workers and enterprises to adapt to rapid technological change, including the transition driven by artificial intelligence.
Throughout the conference, Houngbo called for better-managed labour market transitions that protect workers while supporting business innovation and growth. He advocated increased investment in lifelong learning, active labour market policies, and robust social protection systems, with particular attention to young people, women, and migrant and displaced workers who are often most vulnerable to labour market shocks.
On the sidelines of the conference, Houngbo held bilateral meetings with Saudi government officials, social partners, and international stakeholders to discuss strengthening cooperation on employment creation, skills development, labour migration, social protection, and labour market institutions. He also participated in discussions with global employer representatives on navigating multiple crises and enhancing resilience through technological adoption, inclusive workplaces, and stronger social protection.
Concluding his participation, Houngbo commended Saudi Arabia for providing a growing global platform for labour market dialogue. He подчерк that, in an environment of heightened global uncertainty, collective action and tripartite cooperation remain essential to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable labour markets worldwide.
