The 52nd session of the Arab Labour Conference commenced today, Sunday, in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Organized by the Arab Labour Organization (ALO), the conference is being held from September 13 to 20 under the patronage of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The event brings together representatives of the three production parties from 21 Arab countries, including labour ministers, heads of delegations, representatives of employers and workers, as well as representatives of Arab, regional, and international organizations and federations.

H.E. Mukhtar Al-Yafei, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, is scheduled to deliver Yemen’s address during the conference. In his speech, he will highlight the challenges facing Yemen’s labour market and outline the Ministry’s vision for regulating the labour market and strengthening workers’ rights. He will also address the need to align training and vocational qualification programmes with the actual needs of labour markets, develop labour market information systems, and build capacities in the areas of labour inspection and occupational safety and health. In addition, he will emphasize the importance of strengthening Arab cooperation and partnerships with the private sector, while expanding decent employment opportunities for young people.

During the opening session, the General Secretariat of the Arab Labour Organization honoured Minister Mukhtar Al-Yafei in recognition of the Republic of Yemen’s presidency of the 51st session of the Arab Labour Conference and its contributions during its tenure to supporting the work of the conference and strengthening Arab cooperation on labour and workers’ issues.

The conference is discussing a number of issues related to the future of work in the Arab region, foremost among them sustainable economic growth and inclusive and equitable social development, the impact of climate change on the work environment, and the promotion of occupational safety and health and resilience to climate-related risks. Discussions also cover start-ups and the opportunities they offer amid the digital transformation, skills development and their alignment with labour market needs, promoting employment and addressing unemployment, as well as ways to strengthen Arab cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and best practices among Arab countries.