Protecting workers' rights through technology: Saudi Arabia leads the transformation at the International Labour Conference
The Kingdom affirms its commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence to ensure a fair and sustainable work environment
His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, emphasized the pivotal role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in strengthening the system for protecting workers' rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This came during his address to the plenary session of the 112th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, where His Excellency headed the Kingdom's tripartite delegation comprised of representatives from the government, employers, and workers. He affirmed the Kingdom's proactive approach in adopting innovation to shape a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable future of work.
A global platform for shaping the future of work
The International Labour Conference, organized annually by the International Labour Organization (ILO), serves as a global parliament for labor, bringing together the three social partners from 187 member states to discuss challenges and opportunities in global labor markets and to set international standards. The Kingdom's active participation in this international forum reflects its commitment to contributing to the global dialogue on labor policies and sharing its pioneering experience in labor reforms aligned with the goals of Vision 2030. This participation is not limited to showcasing achievements but also aims to exchange expertise and build international partnerships to ensure that technological transformation keeps pace with the achievement of decent work for all.
Vision 2030 and a proactive approach to protecting workers' rights
Minister Al-Rajhi emphasized that the Kingdom's efforts to leverage technology are not a recent development, but rather an integral part of the labor market strategy stemming from Vision 2030. He pointed out that the future of work will not be determined by technology alone, but also by the ability to invest in human capital, develop skills, and enhance protection. In this context, he reviewed several innovative Saudi initiatives, such as the National Skills Platform, which utilizes artificial intelligence to support skills registries and design customized learning pathways, as well as the development of the Saudi Classification of Skills and Occupations to keep pace with labor market transformations and ensure skills align with future jobs.
Artificial intelligence to enhance compliance and transparency
Al-Rajhi explained that the Kingdom is using advanced technologies to enhance compliance and protect wages. Digital tools and predictive analytics contribute to increasing the efficiency of inspection processes and detecting violations at early stages. The “Qiwa” platform is a prime example of this transformation, employing generative artificial intelligence and AI agents to serve more than two million establishments and 12 million workers in the private sector, thus enhancing transparency in contractual relationships and facilitating access to services. The “Wage Protection Program” also continues its role in ensuring that workers receive their wages on time, thereby strengthening job stability and security in the market.
