Social dialogue is a strategic option to face economic challenges, says Labour minister
MINISTER of Labour HE Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri has stressed that the challenges facing the economies of Arab countries confirm the importance of social dialogue and its ability to enhance resilience, stressing that addressing these issues is a collaborative effort aimed at realising sustainable growth, dependent on the tripartite entities of labour relations -- governments, employers and workers.
The minister made the remarks during the Arab Labour Conference in its 49th session, which kicked off in Cairo on Monday, in the presence of labour ministers and representatives of workers, employers and trade unions in the member states of the Arab Labour Organization.
He emphasised the importance of leveraging the accomplishments of the Arab Labour Organization through social dialogue, with the goal of aiding Arab nations transition to a new system of social dialogue in accordance with Arab and international labour standards.
He also drew attention to the director-general’s report proposal on the new social contract, its
aims and the procedures for its execution, all in an effort to cultivate and enhance labour relations for a superior future in the Arab region.
The minister noted that the Qatar National Vision 2030 constitutes a practical and scientific guide to reach an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development and the continuation of a decent life for its people and all residents on its land, adding that the economic and social progress of modern societies is not subject to automatic development, but has become dependent on a
long-term process with set goals in advance, whose pillar is clear vision and sound planning.
Dr Marri pointed out that of Qatar has achieved comprehensive developments with regard to work environment laws to achieve basic principles and rights in the field of work and to provide decent work for all, stressing that improvements in the work environment come within the framework of efforts aimed at developing the legislative structure and taking measures that are compatible with international standards.
He stressed the firm position
of Qatar on the Palestinian issue, which is the Arab position committed to establishing the peace process on a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement based on international legitimacy, which is confirmed by the Arab Labour Organization regarding joint Arab action in supporting Palestinian workers in the occupied territories and improving their living conditions.
The Arab Labour Organization is holding the 49th session of the Arab Labour Conference, in Egypt from May 22 to 29, under the chairmanship of Mauritania, based on the labour system of the Arab Labour Conference.
The conference is being attended by labour ministers, heads and members of delegations from employers’ organisations and labour unions in 21 Arab countries, representatives of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, representatives of Arab and international organisations and a number of ambassadors and eminent personalities.
The 49th session of the Arab Labour Conference focuses on exploring social dialogue amidst current challenges and future possibilities, and on strengthening methods for fostering social dialogue both locally and nationally. This is seen as an optimal strategic choice to boost the resilience of economies and societies in the face of crises and to manage their impacts.
The goal is to carve out avenues that meet the needs of the tripartite production parties and society, through an all-encompassing social contract. This contract would represent a mutual platform that aligns visions and objectives, and outlines the responsibilities of each party in a manner that safeguards rights, secures benefits and promotes social justice.