Istanbul, April 27 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Skills Summit in Istanbul, held under the theme "Unlocking Talent Across Generations", featuring Their Excellencies Ministers of Labour, senior officials, and international experts.

HE Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri chaired the State of Qatar's delegation to the Summit.

The two-day summit brings together policymakers to exchange experience and best practice on education, vocational training and labour market development, as governments respond to structural shifts driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the transition to a green economy. These developments are reshaping labour markets and redefining skills requirements across sectors.

Qatar's participation in the 2026 edition follows an OECD invitation to selected non-member countries, reflecting its expanding engagement in international dialogue on labour market governance and skills policy.

In a ministerial session, HE Dr. Al Marri said the summit addressed one of the most pressing global challenges: developing skills and empowering individuals across all stages of life amid rapid demographic and technological change.

His Excellency underlined that the State of Qatar places investment in human capital at the top of its national priorities, noting that this approach has been translated into a comprehensive package of labour market reforms aimed at promoting fair employment, enhancing workforce efficiency, attracting skilled labour and improving working conditions, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

On rethinking education and training, HE the Minister of Labour said that Qatar was strengthening alignment between education outputs and labour market needs through expanded vocational and technical training systems and deeper private sector partnerships, to equip workers for digital and green economy transitions.

With regard to adult skill development, His Excellency highlighted the special attention the Ministry of Labour attaches to continuous training and upskilling programmes designed to improve productivity and employability.

On labour market inclusion, HE the Minister of Labour noted efforts to increase women's participation in the labour market, strengthen labour rights protections, improve dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhance wage protection systems.

He added that Qatar introduced various reforms in recent years including 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 measures reflected the State of Qatar's commitment to a fair and sustainable labour market that supports skills development and productivity growth, His Excellency added.

The OECD Skills Summit, held biennially since 2016 in partnership with host countries, serves as a platform for international dialogue on skills policy and its alignment with national development strategies.

The OECD brings together 38 member countries, and works to promote policy coordination and sustainable economic growth. (QNA)