Saudi Arabia Leads AI Push for Workers at UN Labor Summit

Saudi Arabia took center stage at the world's biggest labor gathering this week with a message of hope: artificial intelligence can create better jobs for everyone, if we put people first.

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi addressed the International Labour Conference in Geneva on Thursday, telling delegates from around the globe that smart technology should strengthen workers, not replace them. The annual UN conference brings together governments, employers, and labor leaders to shape the future of work.

Al-Rajhi laid out a clear vision. The future won't be determined by technology alone, he explained, but by how well countries invest in people, build new skills, and protect worker rights as industries transform.

The timing matters. Saudi Arabia declared 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence, signaling its commitment to leading technological change while keeping human wellbeing at the center.

The Kingdom isn't just talking about it. They've already built systems that show what responsible AI looks like in action.

Their Qiwa platform uses AI to serve more than two million businesses and 12 million private sector workers across the country. The National Skills Platform taps artificial intelligence to help workers track their abilities, find training, and plan career paths that match where jobs are heading.

Saudi Arabia is also using predictive technology to catch labor violations before they harm workers. Digital monitoring tools help inspectors spot risks early and enforce protections more efficiently across the economy.

The Ripple Effect

What happens in Saudi Arabia could shape how other countries handle the AI revolution in their workplaces. The Kingdom's blend of innovation and worker protection offers a roadmap for nations trying to modernize without leaving people behind.

The approach seems to be gaining international attention. Saudi Arabia's full delegation of government officials, business leaders, and worker representatives spent nearly two weeks at the Geneva conference sharing insights and learning from global partners.

Al-Rajhi emphasized that no country can navigate these changes alone. As AI transforms jobs at different speeds across regions and industries, international cooperation becomes essential for fair outcomes.

The conference runs through June 12, giving the Saudi team plenty of time to discuss their Labor Market Strategy, Wage Protection Program, and other reforms with counterparts facing similar challenges.

Saudi Arabia's message to the world is both practical and optimistic: the technology is here, the tools exist, and the path forward means choosing people over pure efficiency at every turn.