Latest news with #InternationalLaborMarketConference
Iraqi News
30-01-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Minister of Labor: Iraq prioritizes enhancing cooperation with international and regional organizations
Baghdad - INA Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi confirmed today, Thursday, that Iraq places enhancing cooperation with international and regional organizations at the heart of its priorities. A statement by the ministry - received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) - stated that "Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed Al-Asadi, discussed during his meeting with the Director-General of the Labor Center affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Azar Bayramov, ways to enhance joint cooperation, on the sidelines of his participation in the International Labor Market Conference held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh." Al-Asadi stressed - according to the statement - "the importance of the vital role played by the Labor Center in addressing issues that affect broad segments of society," stressing that "the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Iraq is ready to cooperate in various related fields, including labor policies, training, and capacity development, to achieve common goals and enhance partnership between the two sides." Al-Asadi added that "Iraq places enhancing cooperation with international and regional organizations at the heart of its priorities, and seeks to employ its accumulated expertise to serve labor and social development issues." For his part, Bayramov expressed his "appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Iraq," praising "it being one of the first countries to ratify the center's bylaws, which contributed to its entry into force." He stressed that "the Labor Center is ready to provide its programs and services in various fields, including developing labor policies, vocational training, and capacity building," expressing his "keenness to expand the horizons of cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Labor and benefit from the expertise of its qualified staff." Bayramov praised "the historical status of Iraq, especially Baghdad, which has been a beacon of civilization in the Islamic world throughout the ages," noting that "this historical legacy is an incentive for more fruitful cooperation in serving labor and social development issues."
Asharq Al-Awsat
30-01-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Launches Global Labor Market Academy in Partnership with the World Bank
Saudi Arabia has launched the Global Labor Market Academy in partnership with the World Bank, reinforcing its commitment to global transformation and addressing labor market gaps. The announcement was made by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi during the second edition of the International Labor Market Conference, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. Under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the conference brought together 40 labor ministers from countries including the G20, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, alongside ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo and over 5,000 participants and 200 speakers from more than 100 countries. Al-Rajhi highlighted the global unemployment rate, which reached 11.3% in the third quarter of 2024, calling it a cause for concern, especially as it surged to 24% in some member countries. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to address rapid technological advancements, demographic shifts, and emerging challenges such as climate adaptation. In Saudi Arabia, the private sector workforce has exceeded 12 million employees, with the number of Saudi nationals employed rising from 1.7 million in 2020 to over 2.4 million in 2023, adding 724,000 new jobs for Saudis. Since its establishment last year, the International Labor Market Conference has become a leading platform for shaping the future of global labor markets. Al-Rajhi noted that 67 million young people worldwide are unemployed, and 20% of individuals aged 15–24 are neither working, studying, nor in training. Additionally, 40% of employers struggle to fill positions due to skill mismatches, with youth unemployment exceeding 30% in some regions. Saudi Arabia has introduced several initiatives under Vision 2030 to empower its workforce, including training programs, legislative reforms, and a national youth development strategy. As a result, the country's unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% by the end of 2024, down from 5.7% in 2020, while women's labor force participation increased to 36%, surpassing Vision 2030 targets. Al-Rajhi announced two major initiatives: the launch of the Global Labor Market Academy, headquartered in Riyadh, which will serve as a hub for training and knowledge exchange, and the Future Outlook Report, which will provide data-driven insights and innovative strategies to bridge skill gaps and promote lifelong learning. ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo stressed the importance of creating better employment conditions for young people, particularly in fields like technology and artificial intelligence (AI). He urged policymakers to develop strategies that prioritize decent jobs and sustainable employment. Houngbo emphasized that the conference discussions would focus on youth skill development in an era of rapid technological progress and ensuring equal opportunities for young people across all regions. Safaa El-Tayeb El-Kogali, World Bank Director for the GCC, highlighted the significance of the Global Labor Market Academy, stating that it offers a unique opportunity for policymakers to enhance their skills and address shared labor market challenges. She noted that the academy and the Global Labor Market Observatory will play a critical role in fostering international cooperation and sharing best practices between countries with different economic conditions. During the ministerial roundtable, attended by 40 labor ministers, Al-Rajhi announced a comprehensive vision to enhance labor market resilience and inclusivity. The plan focuses on facilitating youth transitions from education to employment, preparing the workforce for AI-driven changes, and increasing investment in human capital development. It also emphasizes enhancing labor market flexibility, including remote and gig work, supporting SME growth to boost job creation, and utilizing technology and skills-matching platforms. Additionally, it promotes the employment of marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities and long-term unemployed individuals, while establishing a comprehensive labor market data system to track employment trends and workforce dynamics. The Global Labor Market Academy and its initiatives mark a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to modernize labor markets, address global employment challenges, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Argaam
29-01-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Transport sector's employees up 100% in four years: Deputy Minister
Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Acting Chairman of the General Transport Authority, said that the transport and logistics sector witnessed a 100% increase in the number of employees during the past four years. In a speech at the International Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh, Al-Rumaih indicated that Saudi women represent 84% of the sector's labor force, adding that Saudi participation in the sector rose to 47% in addition to 66% of jobs that require high skills, SPA reported. He also stressed that work is underway to achieve the goal of localizing the sector in the next phase and creating job opportunities of up to 300,000 jobs. The ministry has developed, in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, a sectoral strategy through several outlets within the transport and logistics sector, said Al-Rumaih, stressing that the goal is to increase efficiency and provide new job opportunities.
