After a 36-Year Absence, Baghdad Hosts the 50th Arab Labor Conference
(AWP) - The 50th edition of the Arab Labor Conference (ALC) kicked off on Saturday. It will be hosted in the Iraqi capital Baghdad for the first time in 36 years and will run until May 4.
According to the Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the conference will bring together representatives of the three sides of production sectors [governments, workers and employers] “to discuss issues related to labor markets and workers in the Arab world.”
Speaking to the Arab World Press (AWP), Iraqi Minister of Labor Ahmed al-Asadi said the conference is being attended by more than 350 Arab dignitaries, including ministers, heads of delegations, chairpersons of syndicates, employers, and trade union officials. He said that international officials, including the Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO) would also be attending.
“The conference agenda includes many challenges related to labor markets, employment, the spread of unemployment in Arab countries, as well as the challenges of technology and artificial intelligence,” he noted.
Sattam al-Dandah, Syria’s ambassador to Iraq, expressed his hope that the outcome of the conference would serve the best interests of “labor, workers and combating poverty in light of the current economic circumstances affecting the region.”
Talal Hijazi, Chairman of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, highlighted the importance of participation by all sides of the production process in this conference.
He stressed, “We are participating with all sides to come up with results that will help stop the bleeding of labor, prevent the migration of skilled workers, and keep the labor market and the relationship among Arab countries not only a cordial and fraternal relationship but also a commercial one.”
The Arab Labor Organization (ALO) encompasses all Arab countries and is unique among other specialized Arab organizations in that it applies the tripartite representation system of governments, workers, and employers.
The conference is made up of all delegates accredited by the member states.