The National Planning Institute in Egypt recently hosted its 10th annual international conference on the labor market and sustainable development. The conference, which took place on September 21-22, 2026, brought together high-level officials, experts, and academics from various Egyptian ministries, institutions, and universities, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations. The conference aimed to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the labor market and its relationship with sustainable development.
The conference was attended by Dr. Ahmed Rustom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Dr. Ashraf Al-Arabi, President of the National Planning Institute. Dr. Mona Essam, Assistant Minister of Planning and Economic Development for Sustainable Development, delivered a speech on behalf of the minister. She highlighted the Egyptian government's efforts to develop a comprehensive system for skills development and labor market information, which would provide more accurate data on labor market trends and help inform decision-making.
The conference focused on several key themes, including the strategic framework and policies for the labor market in Egypt, employment issues, migration, and localization. The conference also explored the future of the labor market and sustainable development, opportunities and challenges for women's participation in the labor market, and the impact of technological and green transformations on the labor market. Dr. Ashraf Al-Arabi emphasized the importance of the conference in addressing the challenges facing the labor market and its relationship with sustainable development.
The conference also featured a presentation by Dr. Alaa Zahran, former President of the National Planning Institute, who highlighted the institute's role in issuing reports on labor market issues, including the Arab Development Report 2025. The report focused on the future of Arab labor markets in the context of green transformation and artificial intelligence. Dr. Zahran emphasized the need for a more efficient and sustainable labor market that can adapt to changing economic conditions.
The conference included several sessions and discussions on the challenges facing the Egyptian labor market, including the impact of technological changes and green transformation. The sessions also explored ways to enhance the role of the labor market in supporting sustainable development goals and improving the efficiency of the labor market. The conference aimed to provide a platform for experts and policymakers to share experiences and best practices in addressing labor market challenges.
The conference was seen as an important step towards achieving the Egyptian government's goals for sustainable development. The government has been working to improve the labor market and enhance the skills of the workforce. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the labor market and to identify ways to address them.
The National Planning Institute's 10th annual international conference on the labor market and sustainable development was a significant event that brought together experts and policymakers to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the labor market. The conference provided a platform for sharing experiences and best practices and for identifying ways to enhance the role of the labor market in supporting sustainable development goals.
Key points
- The conference focused on the labor market and sustainable development.
- The government has been working to improve the labor market and enhance the skills of the workforce.
- The conference provided a platform for experts and policymakers to share experiences and best practices.