First Gulf Forum for Labour Market Skills recommends unified strategy to develop national talent

The First Gulf Forum for Labour Market Skills, themed From Empowerment to Leadership, gathered participants to advocate for a strengthened integration in skills development policies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Held by the Ministry of Labour (MOL) in collaboration with the Executive Bureau of the GCC Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), the forum emphasized the need for a unified GCC strategy to align education and training programs with labor market demands.

Key recommendations from the forum included the establishment of a joint GCC committee for skills development, designed to create a strategy that adapts to technological advancements and evolving workplace requirements. Participants stressed the importance of enhancing mechanisms to anticipate future skill needs, measuring the effectiveness of development programs, and tailoring training to meet the actual and anticipated demands of various economic sectors.

Investment in national talent, particularly in professional, digital, and leadership skills, was deemed crucial for ensuring that citizens are prepared for future job markets. The forum also called for increased private-sector involvement in identifying necessary skills, designing relevant training programs, and offering learning and professional development opportunities. This approach was seen as essential for ensuring that training outcomes align with job requirements.

Improving mechanisms to foresee labor market needs, utilizing data and indicators to forecast skill requirements, and continuously evaluating the impact of programs were highlighted as priorities. Participants emphasized the value of fostering stronger partnerships among educational institutions, training centers, and the private sector to create a cohesive approach to skills development.

The MOL's Khames Mohammed al-Naimi highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration among GCC governments, educational bodies, and the private sector to ensure that strategies are practical and yield measurable improvements in skills development. He called for sustained investment in human capital, focusing on people's ability to learn, adapt, and innovate amidst rapid technological changes and digital transitions.

Al-Naimi also advocated for an annual forum, rotating among GCC member states, to maintain dialogue, share expertise, and reinforce cooperation on shared challenges in the future of work and skills.