The Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the GCC has strengthened its partnership with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) through the launch of a joint training initiative designed to align the capacities of national workforce teams in GCC labour ministries with evolving labour-market needs. The programme focuses on a specialized training track titled “Skills Development: Strategies and Innovations for Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”

This programme reflects a shared commitment to advancing cooperation in human-capital development and skills enhancement across GCC countries. It marks an important step towards building advanced training systems that support the vision of GCC Ministers of Labour to ensure that the region’s workforce is prepared for the future labour market and capable of keeping pace with rapid digital and economic transformations.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Bureau, affirmed that this partnership represents a qualitative leap in strengthening the competencies of national leaders within GCC labour ministries and in supporting the exchange of best practices in technical and vocational education and training. He stated: “This project clearly reflects the Executive Bureau’s commitment to launching initiatives that contribute to developing the GCC work environment and achieving sustainable human-development objectives.”

For his part, Mr. Christophe Perrin, Director of the International Training Centre of the ILO, expressed his deep appreciation for this cooperation, emphasizing that the partnership serves as an effective model of regional collaboration with GCC institutions. He added: “This partnership will help transfer leading international expertise and best practices in skills development and in promoting innovation in TVET.”

This collaboration forms part of an ongoing series of joint projects between the Executive Bureau and ITCILO, further strengthening the development of pioneering social and economic policies across GCC member states.