Saudi forum to discuss problems in labour sector

Riyadh: King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue unveiled plans to tap personalities in the Saudi social and cultural fields as well as sportstars to work as brand ambassadors of the national dialogue.

"This was part of the Centre's strategy to spread the culture of dialogue in the Saudi society," said the Centre's Secretary General Faisal Bin Muammar.

Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of the Centre, Bin Muammar said the Centre will organise the Seventh National Forum for Dialogue in Buraidah in Qasem province on Tuesday.

As many as 70 men and women academics, thinkers, writers, businesspeople and members of Chambers of Commerce and Industry will take part in the two-day event under the theme 'Labour Sectors and Employment: A Dialogue Between Society and Labour Institutions'.

Bin Muammar said the Buraida event will be an opportunity for government officials in the labour sector to listen first-hand to the problems of employment.

Issues in focus

Several topics such as unemployment and its social, security and economic impact on the society, employment of women, labour regulations, the reality of employment, society's approach towards working women, employment opportunities for women in public and private sectors, education and training, policies and strategies required to make available employment opportunities, Saudisation and areas to boost cooperation between the public and private sectors will figure high in the Dialogue Forum.

Muammar said the Centre has succeeded in spreading the culture of dialogue among all segments of Saudi society.

"The idea of establishing a national centre for dialogue, which has been supported by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, is the biggest project of its kind in the Islamic world," he said.

"King Abdullah has given us a great responsibility and the national duty of conveying to the leadership the pulse of the street, as well as bringing different points of views closer," Bin Muammar said.

Bin Muammar said the Centre has taken the initiative in the framework of its national role to disseminate the messages of moderation and tolerance and shun extremism.

The forum's recommendations will be submitted to King Abdullah. The king meets participants after each national forum. Prior to the Buraida Forum, the Centre had undertaken preparatory meetings in Aseer, Makkah, Tabuk, Riyadh and the Eastern Province.