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H.E. Eng. Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), is leading the Saudi Arabia's delegation at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva. The delegation includes representatives from the three constituents of the labor market: the government, employers, and workers.
In his address to the ILC’s session, H.E. Al-Rajhi emphasized the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of work amid rapid global transformations and challenges. He highlighted that technological progress, climate change, and demographic shifts directly impact the nature and quality of jobs worldwide.
H.E. Al-Rajhi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s belief that achieving social justice and sustainable development requires strengthening global solidarity, fostering dialogue, and expanding cooperation among nations and all stakeholders in the labor market.
Saudi Arabia also showcased key labor market reforms and initiatives under Vision 2030, which have strengthened alignment with international labor standards, enhanced workplace environments, and promoted labor rights. These reforms include the implementation of a labor mobility system for expatriate workers, the Wage Protection System.
Additionally, the Kingdom has taken steps to increase women’s economic participation—reaching 35.5% by the end of 2024. Other notable reforms include amending Article 61 of the Labor Law to prohibit all forms of discrimination, developing AI-powered inspection systems for early risk detection and resolution, and modernizing occupational health and safety frameworks, resulting in compliance rates of 72.6%.
H.E. Al-Rajhi also stressed the need for a thoughtful approach to managing the impact of digital transformation on the labor market, advocating for a balanced strategy that safeguards traditional jobs while equipping national talent for future roles.
This year’s ILC agenda addresses critical topics, including the adoption of standards to protect workers from biological hazards, regulating the working conditions of platform economy workers, and addressing the challenges of informal work.
Concluding his remarks, H.E. Al-Rajhi announced that Saudi Arabia will host the Third International Labor Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh on 29–30 January 2026, extending an invitation to all ILC delegates to attend this important event.
