RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global leader in addressing labor market challenges, skill development, and workforce requalification, according to a report from the Global Labor Market Conference.

The inaugural report, issued by the conference hosted by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, emphasized the government’s initiatives to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and market demands. 

These efforts include enhancing education and training programs and preparing young job seekers for the rapidly evolving global labor landscape. 

The findings align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim to reduce unemployment from 11.6 percent in 2017 to 7 percent by the end of the decade. The strategy focuses on developing national talent, requalifying the workforce, and driving economic diversification to solidify the Kingdom’s global competitiveness. 

“Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in increasing access to education, improving quality, and promoting inclusive learning opportunities,” the report said. 

The report, based on input from 14,000 participants across 14 countries, highlighted growing global concerns about workforce readiness. Over half of respondents expressed fears that their current skills could become obsolete in the near future, underlining the urgent need for upskilling to meet the demands of a rapidly changing labor market. 

“Respondents, in fact, identified cognitive skills, management skills, as well as socio-emotional skills as the three most critical competencies to succeed in the current labor market.” the report stated. 

The study also highlighted increasing automation as a significant threat to employment across various sectors. It emphasized the growing importance of expertise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for success in technology-driven industries.

Although men continue to dominate STEM-related fields, the report highlighted progress in narrowing the gender gap in some countries. “For instance, India has a female graduation rate of 26 percent, followed by Saudi Arabia at 21 percent,” it said. 

The report added that these figures surpass those of European countries and the US, where rates range between 10 and 13 percent. “However, the percentage of STEM degrees obtained by women has stagnated, except in Saudi Arabia,” it stated.  

The second annual Global Labor Market Conference will take place in Riyadh from Jan. 29 to 30, 2025. The event is expected to host over 5,000 attendees, including labor ministers from 40 countries, executives, international experts, and public-sector leaders from more than 50 nations. 

Discussions will center on global labor market challenges and opportunities, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in workforce development.