First Time Since ILO's Inception, Qatar Elected as President - International Labour Conference Local

By Anna Pais - June 06, 2023

Qatar Elected as President of International Labour Conference Local

The State of Qatar, represented by HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, has been elected to preside over the 111th session of the International Labour Conference.

This decision was made by representatives of governments, employers, and workers who are members of the International Labour Organization. The conference is held in the Swiss city of Geneva from June 5 - June 16.

The election of the State of Qatar as chair of the conference in the Qatar Hall in the United Nations building bears a symbolic indication of the place and event and is a witness to the achievements of the State of Qatar in all fields in international forums.

HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri has taken on the role of President of the International Labour Conference.

This is due to the continued trust the global community places in the integrity of the State of Qatar. Over the years, Qatar has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing and developing the work environment.

This appointment also serves as a testament to the successful collaboration with international labour organizations and unions that Qatar has fostered.

HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri presides over the International Labour Conference for the current session, after HE assumed the position of Vice-President of the Conference representing government representatives during the 110th session of 2022.

HE Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri said in his speech after announcing his election as president of the conference, "I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to perform this honorable duty, and I will do my best, with my colleagues in the office, to direct the work of the conference on the basis of its well-established traditions, principles and guidelines, and I will spare no effort to ensure The success of this conference and I am counting on your valuable support to this end."

He emphasized that the selection of the State of Qatar for this role is a matter of immense pride for both Qatar and the Asia-Pacific region, noting out that the 111th session is our first fully personal meeting since the pandemic outbreak, as it is a source of happiness for all.

His Excellency explained that the International Labour Conference for the current year comes at a time when the world is facing multiple crises that make the current session an appropriate time to discuss issues related to workers, employers and governments around the world.

The matters on the agenda of the 111th International Labour Conference are closely linked to our national development strategy in Qatar, he noted.

The Minister conveyed his gratitude to the representatives of the 187 member states of the International Labour Organization for entrusting the State of Qatar with the responsibility of presiding over the 111th session of the International Labour Conference. He asserted Qatar's ongoing commitment to collaborating with various organizations, bodies, and trade unions, aiming to bolster cooperative efforts to attain a balanced relationship between employers and workers within the State of Qatar.

In the same context, Chairperson of the Government Group Catharina Stasch stated that the Government Group of the International Labour Organization nominated HE Qatari Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri to chair the International Labour Conference owing to his extensive experience in public service, as he served as the Chairperson of the National Committee for Human Rights, as well as the Arab Permanent Committee on Human Rights within the Arab League.

For her part, Chairperson of the Workers' group in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Catelene Passchier said that the State of Qatar has been incredibly collaborative with the International Labour Organization and various trade unions to bring about effective improvements in the workplace.

We value Qatar's commitment to maintaining its Collaboration with international organizations, and its adherence to the core principles, rights, and values of the International Labour Organization.

Passchier referred to the Workers' Group representatives' support for the candidacy of the State of Qatar to chair the current session of the conference.

The conference's agenda for the current year comprises deliberation on the Director-General's report regarding the progress of social justice, a report on the circumstances of workers in the occupied Arab territories, and reports on apprenticeships, gender equality, and social protection for workers. It also covers strategies for facilitating a fair transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all.

For the first time since the organization's inception, the State of Qatar is taking the helm at the International Labour Conference, held in the Qatar Hall.

This means Qatar has a presence in the United Nations building, both in the name of the hall and as the conference's chair. This monumental event signifies the extent of Qatar's accomplishments on the international stage.

Heads of state and prime ministers of member states participate in the conference annually, and international and governmental organizations and others attend as observers.

Each member state's delegation to the conference is comprised of government delegates, a representative for employers, a representative for workers, along with their advisors.

These employer and worker representatives are selected in collaboration with the most prominent national organizations representing employers and workers.

The conference hosts over 5,000 participants, including dignitaries such as heads of state, prime ministers, ministers from member countries, as well as representatives of employers, workers, and various international, governmental, and labour organizations.

The International Labour Conference, or what is known as the International Parliament of Labour, is held annually in Geneva to set the general policies of the International Labour Organization, including agreements and recommendations.

The Conference takes decisions on the ILO's general policy, program of work and budget, and also elects members of the Governing board.

The International Labour Conference is the highest decision-making authority in the ILO and provides an effective platform through which governments and employers' and workers' organizations of member states can hold tripartite discussions on social and Labour issues.

(QNA)