ILO Director-General Calls for Dignified Job Creation at Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has urged policymakers to prioritise the creation of dignified jobs. Emphasising the importance of skilling and reskilling young people, especially in the context of advancing technology and artificial intelligence, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo made these remarks during a global conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, which concludes on Thursday, brings together experts from over 100 countries.

Houngbo highlighted the significance of creating decent employment opportunities for youth. "We just finished the ministerial roundtable which is a critical dimension of creating conditions for better youth employment, not only creating jobs, but also creating decent jobs, dignified jobs, highlighted by almost all participating ministers," he stated during a press engagement at the venue.

Focus on Youth Employment and Skills Development

The ILO has been committed to promoting social justice and labour rights since its inception in 1919. As the only tripartite UN agency, it collaborates with governments, employers, and workers from 187 Member States to establish labour standards and develop policies that promote decent work for all. The organisation stresses the need for skill development and reskilling, particularly for young people in the era of technological advancements.

Houngbo emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities for youth across all regions to prevent increasing inequality in the rapidly changing job market. He also stressed keeping the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rate low, especially among women. "Right now, this NEET rate is very high, particularly for women," he noted.

Saudi Arabia's Commitment to Labour Market Development

Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for supporting the Global Labour Market Conference. "His patronage reflects the leadership’s unwavering commitment to developing labour markets at both local and international levels," AlRajhi said.

The conference featured a ministerial roundtable attended by representatives from various countries. This session offered a platform for global leaders to discuss youth employment challenges and labour market issues worldwide. Topics included skill supply-demand gaps, demographic changes, and the green economy.

AlRajhi mentioned that ministers shared diverse policy perspectives and innovative strategies that have successfully increased youth employment rates in their respective countries. These discussions are crucial as they address pressing issues affecting global labour markets today.

The ILO continues to advocate for policies that are pro-employment and ensure job creation remains central to policymaking efforts worldwide. By focusing on skill development and equal opportunities for all young people, the organisation aims to foster a more inclusive job market.