S.African leader in Geneva to deliberate labor issues

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday to attend the 108th session of the International Labor Conference (ILO).

Leaders from across the globe have assembled in the Swiss city to find ways to improve the future of workers, in the wake of changes in the global economy. The ILO has convened the session under the theme “Building a Better Future with Decent Work”.

According to a statement issued by the South African Presidency, Ramaphosa will co-chair the ILO’s Global Commission on the Future of Work along with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.

"Over the past year he has led a team of distinguished commissioners mandated to make recommendations, in response to changes in the global economy brought on by technological advancement, demography, globalization and climate change,” the statement said.

The ILO has mandated a team of distinguished commissioners, to seek recommendations on how to secure jobs of workers amid changes in global economy.

The ILO’s International Labor Conference is an annual event, where of government, labor and business leaders assemble, to deliberate on contemporary issues of mutual interest in the global labor markets.

The Conference will review and outline the programs and recommit the ILO as the global authority on labor and employment matters, strengthening its role and influence in the multilateral system.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by a delegation, including the Minister of Employment and Labor, Thembelani Nxesi, and a delegation of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) among others.

In 2018 South Africa hosted the Jobs Summit where all social partners committed to effectively collaborate, to ensure inclusive growth and create employment in the face of changing world dynamics.