The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has sued for coordinated, human-centred and rights-based policies to address deep transformations resetting labour markets globally.
Addressing the third edition of the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo spoke on how rapid technological change, demographic shifts, migration, climate shocks, and economic fragmentation and uncertainty are redefining the world of work.
He emphasized that the shifts are impacting job creation, job quality, and inequality across regions and require policy responses grounded in social justice, international labour standards, global cooperation, and evidence-based labour market governance.
He said technology could be a powerful driver of productivity and growth, but only if accompanied by investment in skills, strong labour institutions, and effective social dialogue to ensure that workers and enterprises alike could adapt to change.
He called for renewed investment in lifelong learning, active labour market policies, and social protection systems, particularly for young people and women, who are often most exposed to labour market disruption, while devoting attention to how the transitions impact migrant and displaced workers.
During a moderated “fireside chat” discussion, Houngbo reiterated that technology could be a powerful driver of productivity and growth, but only if accompanied by investment in skills, strong labour institutions, and effective social dialogue to ensure that workers and enterprises alike can adapt to change.