Saudi minister to focus on women’s empowerment at global meet

The conference will shine a spotlight on the global need to end child labor.
Updated 25 May 2018
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Saudi minister to focus on women’s empowerment at global meet

  • The 107th session will be attended by government officials, employers and workers from 187 member states.
  • Saudi Arabia joined the ILO in 1976 and endorsed its first agreement out of ILO’s 16 agreements in 1978.

RIYADH: Minister of Labor and Social Development Ali bin Nasser Al-Ghafis will lead the Saudi delegation to the 107th Session of the International Labor Conference.

The conference opens in Geneva on May 28 under the theme “Generation Safe and Healthy” and will shine a spotlight on the global need to end child labor and improve the safety and health of young workers.

Participants will discuss the reports of the chairperson of the governing body and of the director-general titled “The Woman at Work Initiative: The push for equality,” which aims to empower women in the workforce and enhance equality in wages, income and employment, in addition to shedding light on “The Women at Work Centenary Initiative.”

Employer and worker delegates are nominated in agreement with the most representative national organizations of employers and workers.

During the session the ILO financial reports for December 2017 will be discussed, and the report of the committee of experts on the application of conventions and recommendations explored. 

The participants will address items including effective development cooperation in support of sustainable development goals (SDGs), violence and harassment in the workplace and social dialogue and tripartism. 

On the sidelines of the conference, the Saudi delegation will meet with representatives from ILO member states, Arab League, Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), Asia Pacific countries and the G-20, the ministry said.

The ministry’s participation is part of Vision 2030 which aims to enhance international relations and benefit from international experiences that help generate job opportunities, reduce unemployment rates, achieve sustainable growth, increase women’s participation in the workforce, in addition to enhancing an attractive environment and empowering social dialogue and tripartism. 

The conference, often called an international parliament of labor, has several main tasks, which includes crafting and adopting international labor standards in the form of conventions and recommendations.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.