Ministry of Labour organises First GCC Labour Market Skills Forum

Doha, Qatar witnessed the inaugural GCC Labour Market Skills Forum organized by the Ministry of Labour (MoL) on the theme "From Empowerment to Leadership". This event was a collaborative effort with the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs across GCC states and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST). The forum also coincided with the Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award ceremony.

The forum convened government officials, industry experts, private sector representatives, academic leaders, and representatives from international organizations. They focused on strategies to enhance skills development in alignment with labor market demands, fortifying the connection between education and employment, and foreseeing future skill requirements amidst rapid technological and economic transformations.

Undersecretary of the MoL, H.E. Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al Thani, stressed that skill development and human capital are fundamental for boosting productivity, competitiveness, and economic diversification. She emphasized the necessity of collaboration between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to devise a resilient skills framework addressing both present and future labor market necessities.

Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC States, highlighted the significance of reinforced Gulf cooperation in empowering citizens, enhancing their skill sets, and aligning educational and vocational training with the demands of current and future occupations. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to formulate a GCC skills framework, share knowledge, and establish occupational standards.

Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi, President of UDST, underscored the pivotal role of partnerships between educational institutions and employers in developing adaptable education and training programs that can adapt to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the green transition. These initiatives aim to equip the nation's workforce with the necessary skills for the challenges of the future.

The forum comprised four focused discussions: investment in skills to bolster nationalisation efforts, establishing a sustainable GCC skills framework, identifying the talent needs of key sectors, and the pivotal role of SMEs and entrepreneurship in fostering economic expansion, job creation, and economic resilience.