ILO calls for tech-aware worker protections
The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) director-general has called for coordinated, human-centred policies to tackle technological change and labour market fragmentation at a global conference in Saudi Arabia.
Gilbert F. Houngbo warned that rapid technological advancement, demographic shifts, migration, climate shocks, and economic uncertainty are fundamentally reshaping the world of work, according to an ILO statement.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting during the third Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh on 26–27 January, Houngbo emphasised the need for policy responses grounded in social justice, international labour standards, and evidence-based governance.
“The challenge before us is not only how many jobs are created, but what kind of jobs, for whom, and under what conditions,” Houngbo said, according to the ILO. “The real test today is how quickly and effectively we translate reform into jobs, opportunities, and dignity for people, and ensure that jobs come faster than disruption.”
He stressed that technological change affects job creation, quality, and inequality across regions differently, requiring tailored approaches that protect workers while enabling business innovation.
Houngbo said technology could drive productivity and growth only if accompanied by investment in skills, strong labour institutions, and effective social dialogue. He called for renewed investment in lifelong learning, active labour market policies, and social protection systems.
The director-general highlighted particular concerns for young people and women, who face greater exposure to labour market disruption, and drew attention to the impacts on migrant and displaced workers.
Navigating a world shaped by technological change
During a discussion on governing artificial intelligence transitions in the workplace, Houngbo reiterated the importance of managing technological shifts in ways that balance worker protection with business adaptation.
On the conference sidelines, Houngbo held bilateral meetings with Saudi Arabia’s minister of human resources and social development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, and other government and social partner representatives, as well as international stakeholders.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in employment creation, skills development, social protection, labour migration, and decent work promotion. They also addressed the ILO’s ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia in advancing labour market reform.
Houngbo participated in a side event with global employer representatives examining the impact of multiple crises on labour markets and strategies for rapid adaptation, including technological adoption and resilient workplaces.
He commended Saudi Arabia and its Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for providing a platform for global labour market dialogue, noting that collective action and tripartite cooperation remain essential for building resilient, inclusive and sustainable labour markets, particularly during periods of heightened uncertainty.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Houngbo pointed to labour market policies in the United Arab Emirates as a growing example of AI‑inclusive employment standards, noting the importance of linking technological adoption with skills development and workplace inclusion.
