Qatari Minister of Labor, Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri, took the helm of the prestigious World of Work Summit, held at the United Nations Palace in Geneva. The summit, held as part of the 111th session of the International Labor Conference, witnessed the participation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. With 5,000 delegates from 187 countries, representing governments, employers, and workers, the summit aimed to underscore the significance of social justice in building a sustainable and equitable world. Strategies for joint action and policy coherence were key areas of focus during the event.

Minister Al-Marri’s Election:

Following his unanimous election at the outset of the conference meetings in Geneva, Minister Al-Marri assumed the role of President of the International Labor Conference’s 111th session. His election garnered widespread support from representatives of governments, trade unions, and employers participating in the conference. Al-Marri’s successful nomination for the presidency showcased his track record in labor rights reforms and extensive experience in human rights.

Support and Recognition:

During the conference, representatives of the German government, the European Union, and the workers’ and employers’ groups expressed their support for Minister Al-Marri’s candidacy. They lauded Qatar’s achievements in enacting comprehensive legal reforms to protect workers’ rights. Qatar’s progress in this regard positioned the country as a leader in the field and demonstrated its confidence in spearheading global discussions on labor rights.

ترأست دولة قطر ممثلة بسعادة الدكتور علي بن صميخ المري، وزير العمل، الجلسة الختامية للدورة الـ 111 من مؤتمر العمل الدولي بحضور رؤساء الوفود، ووزراء العمل، وممثلي العمال، وأرباب العمل، بالدول الأعضاء لدى منظمة العمل الدولية. pic.twitter.com/PEX9nKX3kY

— وزارة العمل (@MOLQTR) June 16, 2023

The World of Work Summit 2023:

Themed “Social Justice for All,” the World of Work Summit 2023 provided a high-level forum for global voices to address the pressing need for increased, coordinated, and coherent action in support of social justice. Recognizing the pivotal role of social justice in establishing a sustainable and equitable world, the summit focused on strategies to advance social justice through joint action and policy coherence. Participants had the opportunity to share their vision and priorities for social justice and showcase their commitment to taking actions that would propel social justice forward.

In addition, the summit will feature four panel discussions involving esteemed representatives from governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, UN entities, and other international organizations. These discussions aim to enhance capacity, improve coordination, and promote policy coherence to amplify the scale and impact of actions towards achieving social justice within the multilateral system.

Throughout the summit, world leaders, led by Swiss President Alain Berset, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Director-General of the International Labor Organization Gilbert Hengbo, along with representatives of employers and workers, engage in meaningful conversations about the various challenges confronting the global workforce.

Outcomes and Future Impact:

The outcomes of the World of Work Summit are expected to inform discussions on social justice in other multilateral forums, including the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, the G20, and the summits of the BRICS countries. The summit served as a significant platform to emphasize the importance of social justice and outline strategies to achieve it on a global scale.

Minister Al-Marri’s leadership in presiding over the World of Work Summit showcased Qatar’s commitment to labor rights and reform efforts. With the participation of diverse stakeholders, the summit provided an opportunity for global voices to advocate for social justice and align policies to create a more equitable and sustainable world. As Qatar continues its journey toward progress in workers’ rights, it has solidified its position as a prominent advocate for labor rights and a leader in the global labor community.