His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), recently inaugurated the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety & Health Conference (GOSH7) in Riyadh.
Running from May 4-6, GOSH7 aims to position Riyadh as a hub for accelerating international compliance and digital transformation in occupational health and safety practices. Under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety & Health”, it supports workplace wellbeing and safer, healthier working conditions in all industries as a critical driver of social and economic progress, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
6 landmark initiatives announced
On the first day of GOSH7, Al-Rajhi announced 6 landmark initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the occupational safety and health system in Saudi Arabia and the region. The initiatives include launching the:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
- Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Insurance.
- National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Award.
- Glossary and Narrative in Occupational Safety and Health.
- GCC Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health.
- National Incentive Program for Compliance and Excellence.
In his keynote address, Al-Rajhi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting people and ensuring safe work environments according to the highest standards, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the job market and improving quality of life.
He also explained that the rapid economic and technological transformations require strengthening preventive cultures and continuously updating safety systems and procedures. He also stressed that the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health is one of the key enablers for developing an integrated system based on international standards and best practices.
Shaping a safer and healthier workforce
Gathering distinguished leaders, decision-makers and experts from the public and private sectors, as well as international academic institutions, the conference expects to welcome more than 8,000 in-person attendees this year, in addition to around 100,000 projected to participate virtually. This includes participants from six continents and more than 46 countries, with 190 local and international speakers leading discussions.
The conference emphasizes holistic wellbeing, addressing both physical and psychological safety aspects to redefine practices for balanced and healthy work environments. By fostering productive dialogue about the latest trends and innovations, sharing best practices and exchanging valuable knowledge, GOSH7 aspires to shape a safer and healthier future for all members of the workforce.
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Youth-driven hackathon to promote developing tech solutions
In line with Vision 2030, GOSH7 features a youth-driven hackathon that seeks to inspire innovation by developing technological solutions for the most pressing challenges in occupational health and safety. The winners will be announced on the closing day of the event, ensuring their contributions are celebrated.
The conference program also features 20 panel discussions, 60 workshops and 40 keynote papers. Attendees can also engage in over 100 parallel sessions, enriching their experience with diverse insights and collaborative opportunities.
GOSH7’s commitment to a comprehensive occupational health and safety framework corresponds with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 related to quality of life and sustainability, while promising to leave a legacy on the safety standards of global workplaces.
