UAE Showcases Labour Market Achievements At International Labour Conference In Geneva

A delegation from the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) recently participated in the 112th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. Led by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the delegation joined representatives from governments, employers, and workers from member states in the International Labour Organisation (ILO).During the conference, Dr. Al Awar delivered a keynote address highlighting the UAE's commitment to sustainable development and investment in its people. He emphasized that these efforts serve as the foundation for driving significant development across all government initiatives and projects. The UAE's leadership on the world stage in addressing economic challenges was also acknowledged.Dr. Al Awar noted that the UAE is steadily progressing towards a diverse economy based on knowledge and innovation, aligning with the ambitious goals of the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan. This progress has facilitated sustainable economic growth, supported by agile and competitive labor market laws and policies. As a result, the UAE has become a global destination for living, working, and investing, according to various international reports.The UAE labor market has experienced significant growth, exceeding 10 percent. Green jobs now account for approximately 11 percent of the market, according to data from the recently launched UAE Labor Market Observatory. The country has also made substantial investments in clean energy projects, aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. These efforts have contributed to reducing unemployment rates to their lowest levels at 2.9 percent.Dr. Al Awar highlighted the comprehensive social protection strategy implemented by the UAE, which covers nearly eight million workers against unemployment. The strategy includes an insurance program to protect workers' financial entitlements and a voluntary Savings Scheme that allows private sector employees to invest their end-of-service gratuities in reliable investment funds. Additionally, the health insurance system has been expanded to include all residents in the UAE.The UAE's commitment to supporting sustainability and international development was emphasized by Dr. Al Awar. Through its foreign aid and grant programs, the UAE has played a crucial role in combating poverty, providing food, and improving access to education and healthcare services through initiatives such as the World Food Programme.As the Permanent Secretariat of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, a regional consultative platform dedicated to enhancing governance of temporary labor migration, the UAE is committed to enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation in regulating labor markets. This includes exchanging innovative initiatives to ensure workers' well-being and maximizing benefits for member states in the Dialogue.The UAE delegation at the conference includes Jamal Al Musharakh, UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva; Shayma Al Awadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at MoHRE; Farida Al Ali, MoHRE's Assistant Undersecretary for National Human Resources Employment; Khalifa Khamis Al Kaabi, Member of the ILO Board of Directors representing employers; and Counsellor Zayed Saeed Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Coordination Committee for Professional Associations, along with other MoHRE officials, business leaders, and representatives from non-governmental organizations in the UAE.The International Labour Conference, which runs until June 14th, 2024, focuses on topics related to decent employment, the welfare economy, and the social contract's growing importance. The conference also addresses strategies for protection against biological hazards and discusses fundamental principles and rights at work.During the conference, a special tribute was paid to Khalifa Khamis Al Kaabi for his role in managing UAE employer affairs in the ILO and his achievements in highlighting how employers can benefit from the UAE Government's innovative legislative framework for investors.

With inputs from WAM