Istanbul: The State of Qatar participated in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Skills Summit in Istanbul, under the theme "Unlocking Talent Across Generations," with the presence of Their Excellencies Ministers of Labour, senior officials, and international experts. HE Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, led Qatar's delegation at the event.
According to Qatar News Agency, the two-day summit assembled policymakers to share experiences and best practices in education, vocational training, and labour market development. This comes as governments worldwide adapt to structural changes driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the transition to a green economy, which are reshaping labour markets and redefining skills requirements across various sectors.
Qatar's participation in this edition of the summit followed an invitation from the OECD to select non-member countries, reflecting the nation's increasing involvement in international discussions on labour market governance and skills policy. During a ministerial session, HE Dr. Al Marri emphasized the summit's focus on addressing global challenges related to skill development and individual empowerment amid rapid demographic and technological changes.
His Excellency highlighted Qatar's prioritization of human capital investment, which has translated into significant labour market reforms. These reforms aim to promote fair employment, enhance workforce efficiency, attract skilled labour, and improve working conditions, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He further explained Qatar's efforts to align education outputs with labour market needs through expanded vocational and technical training systems and stronger private sector partnerships.
Focusing on adult skill development, HE the Minister of Labour underscored the importance of continuous training and upskilling programs to enhance productivity and employability. He also noted efforts to increase women's participation in the labour market, strengthen labour rights protections, improve dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhance wage protection systems.
Qatar's recent labour market reforms include the Wage Protection System, a non-discriminatory minimum wage, labour mobility allowing workers to change employers, the establishment of Qatar Visa Centers (QVCs), and the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund. These initiatives underscore Qatar's commitment to fostering a fair and sustainable labour market that supports skills development and productivity growth.
The OECD Skills Summit, held biennially since 2016 in collaboration with host countries, provides a platform for international dialogue on skills policy and its alignment with national development strategies. The OECD, which comprises 38 member countries, aims to promote policy coordination and sustainable economic growth.