Director General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana--Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo has called on Caribbean nations to prioritise social justice, to help address multiple challenges, including climate change, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from global conflicts, according to an ILO press release.
Speaking at the opening of the 12th Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers in Georgetown, Guyana, on Tuesday, May 25, Houngbo emphasised the need to forge a Global Coalition for Social Justice to strengthen global solidarity, policy coherence and concerted action towards strong, sustainable and inclusive development.
“As Caribbean world of work leaders, you each have a vital role to play in forging a Global Coalition for Social Justice, particularly to ensure that realities from this subregion are heard and prioritised,” Houngbo said.
The three-day meeting brought together government ministers, employers’ organisations, trade unions, policymakers, experts and stakeholders to exchange experiences, share best practices and discuss innovative solutions.
Under the theme, “Social justice – the foundation for sustainable Caribbean transformation”, discussions focussed on job creation, labour migration, rights at work, social protection, the green economy and the actions needed to accelerate social justice and to drive Caribbean development, according to the release.
Delegates also examined Caribbean progress on policies for a just transition to sustainable economies, as well as ILO technical assistance for the 2024-25 biennium.
“The topics for discussion are very important and particularly relevant … It is quite clear that they set the framework for future collaboration among Ministries of Labour in the Caribbean,” said Joseph Hamilton, Guyana’s Minister of Labour.
The meeting was expected to culminate in the adoption of an outcome document that would outline priorities for strengthening employment, productivity and resilience and the achievement of social justice through decent work, the release concludes.
