H.E. Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Mokhtar Al-Yafei affirmed that the economic challenges and rapid technological transformations facing the region place a shared responsibility on all stakeholders to expand opportunities for decent work, protect workers’ rights, and invest in human skills.

In remarks delivered during the proceedings of the 52nd Session of the Arab Labor Conference in Cairo, Minister Al-Yafei said that years of war and difficult economic conditions in Yemen have compounded the challenges facing the labor market and contributed to higher rates of unemployment and poverty. He noted that the government continues its efforts to regulate the labor market and align education, qualification, and training programs with its actual needs.

The Minister expressed his aspiration to strengthen cooperation with the Arab Labor Organization and sister Arab countries in promoting entrepreneurship, vocational training, and digital transformation. He also highlighted the importance of supporting the Ministry’s institutional capacities, developing labor market information systems, and enhancing the qualifications of labor inspection and occupational safety personnel.

Al-Yafei underscored the central role of partnership with the private sector and the importance of strengthening dialogue among the three parties to production—governments, employers, and workers.

He concluded his remarks by thanking the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the conference and the Arab Labor Organization for organizing the event and producing practical recommendations that serve Arab workers.