Ethiopia’s Celebrate 100th Anniversary Of ILO Membership – A National Labour Conference was held in Addis Ababa to commemorate Ethiopia’s 100 years of membership in the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association (CEEA), Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federation (CEEF), and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS) are the partners with which the ILO is organizing the conference.
In honor of Ethiopia’s ILO Centennial, the High-Level Conference considers the achievements of the ILO and its tripartite partners in promoting inclusive growth, social dialogue, decent work, and increased productivity. Furthermore, the conference will give precedence to the agenda items related to Employers’ and Workers’ Affairs, promoting a cooperative environment for all parties involved in the workplace.
Attendees included high-ranking government representatives from the African Union, the MoLS, the ILO, workers’ and employers’ organizations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the South Africa Development Community (SADC), and diplomatic missions. Scholars, well-known organization leaders, and others with real-world expertise in labor matters and policy formulation also took part and contributed their perspectives.
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Speaking at the opening event, H.E. Ms Muferihat Kamil, Minister of MoLS said, this important milestone confirms Ethiopia’s commitment to bring Industrial Peace and increase productivity through Social Dialogue. The National Labour Conference brings together government, Employers’ and Workers’ organizations, & policymakers for discussion & innovative ideas to improve the labour administration in Ethiopia.”
Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo, for her part said: “As we celebrate Ethiopia’s 100th Anniversary of ILO membership and National Labour Conference 2023, we reflect not just on history, but also on partnerships that have shaped the landscape of decent work & social justice”.
“Great to join celebration of Ethiopia’s 100th anniversary of ILO membership. The celebration represents the rich history and multilateralism in advancing productive employment, workplace security & social protection. The Decent Work Agenda is critical to achieve the SDGs”, said Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia joined the International Labour Organization on September 28, 1923, making it one of the early African countries to become a member of the organization. Ethiopia’s membership in the ILO reflects the country’s commitment to promoting social justice, decent work, and inclusive development both within the country and at the global level. The membership provides Ethiopia with a platform to actively engage in shaping policies discussing on issues related to labour and employment, thus contributing significantly to the broader objective of advancing social justice and promoting decent work for all.
Throughout the last 100 years, Ethiopia’s labour administration has advanced significantly, with a greater emphasis on a rights-based approach. This progress has resulted in the strengthening of labour laws, overseas employment proclamation and enforcement mechanisms, which has supported the protection of Ethiopian workers’ rights at home and abroad. Moreover, these efforts have encouraged social dialogue among employers, workers, and the government, fostering better labour relations in Ethiopia.
