The National Planning Institute in Egypt has launched its 10th annual international conference, titled "Labor Market and Sustainable Development," which will run from September 21-22, 2026. The conference brings together a selection of ministers, officials, experts, academics, and representatives from international, regional, and local organizations concerned with labor market and development issues. The conference is attended by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ahmed Rustom, the head of the National Planning Institute's board of directors, and Dr. Ashraf Arabi, the institute's president.
During the conference, Dr. Ahmed Rustom emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive system for skills development and labor market information. This system aims to provide more accurate data on job and skill demand trends. He also highlighted the ministry's efforts to enhance partnerships with the private sector in skills development through the establishment and activation of sectoral skills councils. These councils allow business owners to play a greater role in determining the required skills, which helps develop education and training systems that meet the needs of various productive sectors.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development stressed that investing in human capital will remain a crucial aspect of achieving sustainable development. He pointed out that building a more efficient, inclusive, and adaptable labor market is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and improving work levels. The minister expressed his hope that the conference will contribute to enriching the dialogue and discussion on the future of the labor market in Egypt and produce practical visions and recommendations to help develop policies.
Dr. Ashraf Arabi stated that the 10th annual conference of the National Planning Institute takes place amid significant transformations in labor markets and their relationship with sustainable development on social, economic, and environmental levels. He noted that the launch of the National Employment Strategy by the Ministry of Labor in April 2026 represents a pivotal step towards developing the labor market and addressing existing challenges through an integrated and participatory vision.
The National Employment Strategy aims to enhance decent and sustainable job opportunities in Egypt, improve the efficiency of the national human cadres, and achieve greater compatibility between the outputs of the education system and the needs of national sustainable development. Dr. Arabi also highlighted the institute's role and contributions, including the issuance of the ninth Arab Development Report in 2025 on "The Future of Arab Labor Markets in Light of the Green Transition and Artificial Intelligence."
The conference provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of jobs and skills in Egypt and the Arab region. The participants are expected to explore ways to develop policies and strategies that address the challenges facing labor markets and promote sustainable development. The institute's efforts aim to provide a better understanding of the changing labor market and its implications for economic and social development.
The National Planning Institute's conference is a significant event that brings together various stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to labor markets and sustainable development. The institute's initiatives and reports, such as the Arab Development Report, demonstrate its commitment to providing valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders. The conference's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies that promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for citizens.
Key points
- The National Planning Institute's conference focuses on the future of jobs and skills in Egypt and the Arab region.
- The conference aims to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for citizens.
- The National Employment Strategy is a key initiative to enhance decent and sustainable job opportunities in Egypt.
