GCC forum recommends unified strategy to develop future workforce skills

The First GCC Labour Market Skills Forum, held in Doha, has urged the Gulf Cooperation Council to adopt a unified strategy for workforce skills development. The event, themed "From Empowerment to Leadership," emphasized the importance of aligning education and training programs with labor market needs, investing in national talent, and anticipating future skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Recommendations included establishing a joint GCC committee to create a unified strategy that remains adaptable to technological advancements and evolving work environment requirements. Additionally, the forum stressed the need for stronger partnerships between educational institutions, private sectors, and governments to tailor training programs to the exact and projected requirements of various economic sectors.

Investing in digital, leadership, and professional skills was also highlighted as a priority, alongside expanding career development opportunities for citizens in the private sector. The forum called for greater private sector involvement in identifying skills needs, designing training programs, and offering learning and professional development chances to ensure that training outcomes are directly linked to job prerequisites.

The importance of data-driven decision-making and continuous evaluation of programs was stressed, alongside considering the annual convening of the GCC Labour Market Skills Forum among member states to maintain dialogue and share expertise. Assistant Undersecretary for National Manpower Affairs Khames Mohammed Al Naimi underscored the necessity of joint GCC action to enhance skills systems and exchange best practices across the region to bolster national talent readiness for an evolving labor market.