Dr Abdulrahman Al Awa greets Gilbert F. Houngbo on the sidelines of the conference in Geneva. WAM

The UAEannounced joining the International Labour Organisation’s Global Coalition for Social Justice for workers initiative, while taking part in the 112th International Labour Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Coalition aims to create a voluntary platform that supports efforts towards solidarity and enhances cooperation among its member states, as well as other international partners, to coordinate global development policies and support greater investments towards advancing social justice and providing decent work opportunities.

The announcement was made in a meeting between Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), on the sidelines of the Conference.

Houngbo praised the UAE’s pioneering role in harnessing advanced technology, automation processes, and artificial intelligence, and employing these breakthroughs to create a dynamic labour market that seamlessly integrates with government priorities and complies with international standards. “The UAE serves as a global model in this field and is able to contribute to the support of the Coalition,” he said.

For his part, Dr Abdulrahman Al Awar commended the Coalition’s vision to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda) and enhance international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of social justice for workers. “This vision is in alignment with the UAE’s own aspirations for a better future for humanity – one that prioritises social justice, provides decent work opportunities, and establishes an environment that drives prosperity and stability,” Al Awar said.

Al Awar underlined the UAE’s significant humanitarian role, which is rooted in its commitment to supporting sustainability and international development. “With its sizeable foreign aid and grant programmes, the UAE has played a fundamental role in ensuring social justice for people and communities around the world,” he said. “The UAE has contributed to combating poverty and providing food by supporting the World Food Programme, launching a range of initiatives to improve quality of life and ensure access to quality education and healthcare services.”

Al Awar reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing bilateral and regional cooperation towards regulating labour markets in the region, and exchanging innovative initiatives that ensure workers’ wellbeing in a thriving business community.

WAM