Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 30, 2025 – The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) has announced a transformative three-year partnership with the World Bank, designed to shape labor systems and craft policies that align with the evolving demands of the global job market. This collaboration, which builds upon their previous strategic knowledge-sharing relationship, aims to address the rapidly changing landscape of labor markets worldwide and help governments and institutions adapt to emerging challenges in employment, workforce policies, and technological advancements.
The partnership strengthens joint efforts between the GLMC and the World Bank to provide innovative insights and policy recommendations for labor markets around the globe. Central to the collaboration is the development of a new generation of policymakers who will be equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern labor systems. This effort is in response to the dynamic shifts that are currently reshaping labor markets, driven by unprecedented technological changes, automation, and digital transformation across industries.
As part of the partnership’s goals, the GLMC and the World Bank will focus on conducting research, providing training for policymakers, and sharing best practices to help governments create labor policies that foster resilience, inclusivity, and growth. The partnership particularly emphasizes the role of developing nations, which are becoming increasingly vital players in the global economy and trade. These nations are also facing their own set of challenges in adapting to new technologies and ensuring that their workforces remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
To further support this vision, the GLMC and the World Bank have launched the GLMC Labor Market Academy in collaboration with Takamol Holding. The academy is designed as a comprehensive three-year development program that will cover all aspects of the labor market, preparing global experts who will be instrumental in shaping future policies. With a focus on low- and middle-income nations, the academy will provide policymakers with a unique opportunity to gain personal growth, access a wealth of information, and build a strong international network. This platform aims to promote cross-country learning, fostering an exchange of ideas and experiences that will benefit labor markets in diverse regions.
The academy was officially inaugurated during the second edition of the GLMC, which brought together policymakers from more than 26 countries in Riyadh to witness its launch. A distinguished team of World Bank experts, specializing in labor market policy, social protection, skills development, and workforce growth, will oversee the academy’s operations and ensure that the program meets the highest standards of excellence.
In addition to the academy, the partnership also includes the establishment of a Policy Lab, a dedicated platform for in-depth discussions on specific policies, tools, and programs designed to improve labor market outcomes and enhance workforce skills. During the second edition of the GLMC, two Policy Labs will be introduced, focusing on pressing issues such as youth employment and the integration of Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) to increase job opportunities. Another key focus will be the development of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), which aim to close the skills gap between employees' abilities and the demands of employers.
Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, emphasized the importance of this partnership in promoting knowledge exchange and fostering opportunities for communities worldwide to share expertise and skills. She reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to supporting labor markets globally, ensuring that they are resilient, inclusive, and able to provide equitable opportunities for all workers.
The GLMC-World Bank partnership is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse global labor market. Through joint research, policy development, and the training of future labor market leaders, the collaboration aims to ensure that all nations—especially emerging economies—are equipped to thrive in the face of evolving labor market challenges. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both the GLMC and the World Bank to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and social inclusion on a global scale.