The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, has called for human-centred and rights-based policies to address rapid technological change and growing fragmentation in the global labour market. Mr. Houngbo made the call on January 26–27 while speaking at the third Global Labour Market Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he stressed the need for coordinated action to protect workers and promote inclusive growth.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting during the conference, Mr. Houngbo said rapid technological change, demographic shifts, migration, climate shocks, and global economic uncertainty are reshaping labour markets worldwide. He warned that these forces are affecting 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.
“The challenge before us is not only how many jobs are created, but what kind of jobs, for whom, and under what conditions,” Mr. Houngbo said.
He added that the real test lies in how quickly reforms are translated into jobs, opportunities, and dignity for people, while ensuring that employment is created faster than disruption.
Mr. Houngbo said technology can be a powerful driver of productivity and economic growth, but only if it is backed by sustained investment in skills development, strong labour institutions, and effective social dialogue to help workers and enterprises adapt to change.
Throughout the conference, the ILO Director-General highlighted the need to manage labour market transitions in ways that protect workers while allowing businesses to innovate and grow. 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 also paying attention to migrant and displaced workers.
During a moderated fireside chat session at the conference, Mr. Houngbo reiterated that technological progress must be matched with skills investment, strong institutions, and social dialogue to deliver inclusive growth.
He also participated in a side event with global employer representatives, where discussions focused on the impact of multiple crises on labour markets and the need for rapid adaptation through technological adoption, resilient and inclusive workplaces, and stronger social protection systems for workers.
The Global Labour Market Conference brought together ministers, social partners, business leaders, and international organisations from across the world.
