Qatar assumes presidency over International Labour Conference

Qatar, represented by HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, has been elected to preside over the 111th session of the International Labour Conference.This decision was taken by representatives of governments, employers and workers who are members of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Ministry of Labour said in a statement Monday.The conference, which is being held in Geneva from June 5 to 16, hosts more than 5,000 participants."The election of Qatar as chair of the conference in the Qatar Hall at the United Nations building bears a symbolic indication of the place and event, and is witness to the achievements of Qatar in all fields at international forums," the statement noted.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 Organisation (ILO), including agreements and recommendations. The conference takes decisions on the ILO's general policy, programme of work and budget, and also elects members of the governing board.The ILC is the highest decision-making authority in the ILO and provides an effective platform through which governments and employers' and workers' organisations of member states can hold tripartite discussions on social and labour issues.HE Dr al-Marri has taken on the role of president of the International Labour Conference for the current session. "This is due to the continued trust the global community places in the integrity 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 collabouration with international labour organisations and unions that Qatar has fostered," the statement points out.Qatar's assumption of the presidency of the International Labour Conference for the first time since the establishment of the ILO in 1919 confirms true international recognition of the achievements made by the country in different areas of the labour sector and development in terms of various measures and initiatives to achieve a safe and healthy work environment.HE the Minister had earlier assumed the position of vice-president of the conference during the 110th session in 2022.Upon announcing his election as president of the conference, HE Dr al-Marri said in his speech: "I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to perform this honourable 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. I am counting on your valuable support to this end."He emphasised that the selection of Qatar for this role is a matter of immense pride for both Qatar and the Asia-Pacific region, noting that the 111th session is "our first fully personal meeting since the (Covid-19) pandemic, and is a source of happiness for all."He said the International Labour Conference comes at a time when the world is facing multiple crises that make the current session an appropriate occasion to discuss issues related to workers, employers and governments around the world.The matters on the agenda of the 111th conference are closely linked to the national development strategy in Qatar, he added.Following his election at the opening session, HE Dr al-Marri acknowledged that being chosen as president of the 111th International Labour Conference reflects the significant progress Qatar has made in the realm of labour. This election signifies the international community's recognition of the credibility of Qatar, and represents the faith and assurance exhibited by countries in the Asia-Pacific region in supporting Qatar's candidacy for this crucial role during the 111th session of the International Labour Conference.He highlighted Qatar's keenness on effective partnership with international organisations andbodies to improve the work environment and improve conditions, pointing out that the partnership with various international organisations over the past years has contributed to the consolidation of Qatar's active role in international forums related to the labour sector.He explained that the conference is an important international platform that brings together the three working parties in one place, which contributes to taking pivotal and major decisions to create appropriate conditions for the advancement of the labour market at the global level. He noted that the current session is being held in the wake of difficult global economic challenges in terms of high rates of inflation and the subsequent increase in interest rates, with negative effects on the global labour market.He hoped that the conference would achieve its desired goals, and that it would come up with recommendations that would enhance compatibility between the three working parties, and support their ability to overcome the effects of the crises that the world was exposed to during the past years.HE the Minister conveyed his gratitude to representatives of the 187 member states of the ILO for entrusting Qatar with the responsibility of presiding over the 111th session of the conference. He asserted Qatar's ongoing commitment to collaborating with various organisations, bodies and trade unions, aiming to bolster co-operative efforts to attain a balanced relationship between employers and workers within Qatar.Catelene Passchier, chairperson of the Workers' Group at the ILO, said Qatar has been incredibly collaborative with the organisation 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 ILO."Catharina Stasch, chairperson of the Government Group, said the group nominated HE Dr 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 Human Rights Committee as well as the Arab Permanent Committee on Human Rights within the Arab League.