Caribbean urged to prioritise social justice by ILO Chief

The Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F Houngbo, has called on Caribbean nations to prioritise social justice, to help address multiple challenges, including climate change, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from global conflicts.



Speaking at the opening of the 12th ILO Caribbean Labour Ministers’ meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Houngbo emphasised the need to forge a Global Coalition for Social Justice to strengthen global solidarity, policy coherence and concerted action towards strong, sustainable and inclusive development.



“As Caribbean world of work leaders, you each have a vital role to play in forging a Global Coalition for Social Justice, particularly to ensure that realities from this subregion are heard and prioritised,” Houngbo said.



The three-day meeting brings together government ministers, employers’ organisations, trade unions, policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss innovative solutions.



Under the theme, “Social justice - the foundation for sustainable Caribbean transformation”, discussions will focus on job creation, labour migration, rights at work, social protection, the green economy and the actions that are needed to accelerate social justice and to drive Caribbean development.



Delegates will also examine Caribbean progress on policies for a just transition to sustainable economies, as well as ILO technical assistance for the 2024-25 biennium.



“The topics for discussion are very important and particularly relevant…It is quite clear that they set the framework for future collaboration among Ministries of Labour in the Caribbean,” said the Honourable Joseph Hamilton, Guyana’s Minister of Labour.



The meeting is expected to culminate in the adoption of an outcome document which will outline priorities for strengthening employment, productivity and resilience and the achievement of social justice through decent work.



Local media are invited to participate in an onsite press conference immediately following the closing ceremony on Thursday 25 May at 11:15 am. A post-event press release will be distributed to all media including those based outside of Guyana.