Ethiopia’s 100th anniversary of ILO membership celebrated
Addis Ababa, December 4, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s 100th anniversary of ILO (International Labor Organization) membership is being celebrated with a National Labor Conference from December 4 to 6, 2023 in Addis Ababa.
While marking Ethiopia’s century-old membership with the UN agency, the National Labor Conference is being held under the theme: “Advancing Social Justice though Social Dialogue and Enhanced Productivity.”
The event is organized by ILO, in collaboration with its tripartite partners such as the Ministry of Labor and Skills, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), and Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association (CEEA).
The high-level opening ceremony brought together, among others, Minister of Labor and Skills of Ethiopia, Ms. Muferihat Kamil, other Ministers, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, the ILO Regional Director, Deputy Director-General, trade unions’ leaders and employers’ associations.
Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, applauded ILO for its attribute to the history, multilateralism, and decent work program. According to him, the UN Cooperation Framework will continue to register economic growth.
Ramiz Alakbarov reiterated that the UN is committed to creating at least 3 million jobs for Ethiopians.
For his part, Dawit Moges, First Vice President, Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association said: “When social dialogue becomes a culture at workplace and increase productivity, it enables us to advance social justice.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Kassahun Follo, President of CETU appreciated ILO for working with tripartite partners in setting international labor standards, encouraging decent work, ensuring social protection, and enhancing labor relations.
For her part, ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo, said: “As we celebrate Ethiopia’s 100th Anniversary of ILO membership and NLC2023, we reflect not just on history, but also on partnerships that have shaped the landscape of decent work and social justice”