SINGAPORE, Dec 7 (NNN-XINHUA) – The International Labour Organisation (ILO), opened its Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) in Singapore, yesterday, to discuss employment and the future of work.

The event comes at an important juncture for the world of work, as the region faces multiple challenges, including the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the global food, energy and finance crises, the ILO said.

The four-day APRM is discussing issues affecting employment and the world of work in Asia, the Pacific and Arab States. The conclusions will help shape the direction of national labour and employment policies, as well as, the ILO’s work in both regions going forward.

ILO’s Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, said, the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with political, economic and climate crises, had pushed social progress backwards, and the ILO wants everyone to be able to share equally in the benefits of future, human-centered growth.

“With effective pro-employment policies, more social protection, a respect for labour rights, constructive social dialogue and an enabling business environment, countries can equip themselves to benefit from the future of work,” he added.

Singapore President, Halimah Yacob, said in her opening address, the pandemic and recent economic upheavals offered an opportunity to rethink the growth model, and ILO plays a critical role in ensuring a fairer and more inclusive growth model, where everyone has a stake.

Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, said that, this year’s APRM is focusing on human-centered recovery from COVID-19, which become much more challenging now, due to the pandemic, inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.

He said, the ILO plays an integral role in surmounting the challenge, by setting out a clear global strategy, with a common purpose and vision, anchored on the principle of tripartite collaboration and social dialogue.

“With strong partnership amongst the government, employer and worker groups, I am confident we will forge a clear path towards a human-centered recovery from COVID-19,” Tan ended.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK