In an address on behalf of the African Group at the 346th Session of the International Labour Office, the Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills, Younes Sekkouri, stressed that Africa has urgent priorities in the ILO’s agenda, in particular decent work and productive employment for all, especially for youth and women, the elimination of child labor, formalization of work, access to social protection, strengthening of social dialogue mechanisms and many other priority issues.
The Minister noted that the African Group is particularly committed to tripartism, the cornerstone of this institution, as well as the normative function of the organization, which should be strengthened and renewed to meet the changing world of work.
Sekkouri pleaded, on behalf of the African Group, for more representation for African expertise within the ILO, expressing the hope of African countries that this alternation in governance can bring a new dynamic impetus.
In a context marked by uncertainty, the relevance of the ILO will reflect its role in achieving global responses, solidarity and coordination that only a strong and renewed United Nations system can provide, he said.
These are, according to the government official, heavy questions that weigh on the world of economy and work, and whose consequences are already heavily felt, especially on the African continent.
