The National Planning Institute in Egypt has launched its 10th annual international conference on "Labor Market and Sustainable Development," which will take place on September 21-22, 2026. The conference is being held under the patronage of the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Ahmed Rustom, and attended by several high-level officials, experts, and academics from various Egyptian ministries, institutions, and universities, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations.
In his speech, Dr. Ahmed Rustom emphasized the Egyptian government's focus on developing a comprehensive system for skills development and labor market information. This system aims to provide more accurate data on job trends and required skills, supporting informed decision-making and future planning. The Minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the private sector in developing skills through the establishment of sectoral skills councils.
The conference's main objective is to discuss the future of the labor market in Egypt and explore ways to enhance its efficiency and sustainability. Dr. Ashraf El-Arabi, the conference's president, noted that the event comes at a critical time, given the significant transformations in labor markets and their relationship with sustainable development. He also mentioned the recent launch of the National Employment Strategy by the Ministry of Labor in April 2026.
The conference features a range of topics, including the strategic framework and policies for the labor market in Egypt, employment issues, migration, and localization. Other key areas of discussion include the future of the labor market and sustainable development, women's participation in the workforce, and the impact of technological and green transformations on labor markets.
Dr. Alaa Zahran, a former president of the National Planning Institute, highlighted the conference's focus on exploring practical strategies to enhance the role of the Egyptian labor market in supporting sustainable development goals. He emphasized the importance of learning from international best practices and experiences to develop a more efficient and sustainable labor market.
The conference also features a report by the National Planning Institute on the future of Arab labor markets in light of green transformation and artificial intelligence. The report was prepared in collaboration with several international organizations and aims to shed light on the dynamics of Arab labor markets and the roles of various stakeholders.
Key points discussed at the conference include the need for a more efficient and sustainable labor market, the importance of skills development and labor market information, and the impact of technological and green transformations on labor markets. The conference aims to provide practical recommendations and solutions to support the development of Egypt's labor market and enhance its contribution to sustainable development.
Key points
- The conference focuses on developing a comprehensive system for skills development and labor market information.
- The Egyptian government emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the private sector in developing skills.
- The conference discusses the impact of technological and green transformations on labor markets and explores ways to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the labor market.
