4th Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers kicks off in Jeddah

The Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers took off on Wednesday targeting senior employees, which is under the emblem of ‘Preparing Joint Workforce Development Strategy’ held in Jeddah. The two-day conference is organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) with huge participation from 56 member states, alongside regional and international organizations. As starting with reciting verses of the Holy Qur’an, Dr. Maroli Hasoulan, president of the third Islamic conference of labor ministers and representative to the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the Fourth Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers for this year. Dr. Hasoulan pointed out the member states actively seek to enhance cooperation to reduce unemployment rates, develop workforce and prepare proper work environments in the OIC countries. Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, president of the current session of the Islamic conference of labour ministers and deputy minister for inspection and development of work environment at MLSD, delivered a welcome speech to the participants, highlighting the Kingdom’s gratitude to host the conference in Jeddah. Dr. Abuthnain thanked the OIC for its unswerving efforts in enhancing joint work among the Islamic countries that strive to bring about abundance for their countries and their people. The current president said the gathering gave a great chance to discuss and exchange views on most pressing challenges for OIC citizens who face difficulty finding jobs amid economic slowdown, which require them to find solutions and pave the way for the young people and persons with disabilities by providing decent work and sustainable job opportunities. He said the Kingdom has taken the initiative and launched its ambitious vision (Saudi Vision 2030), which aims to support the youth and empower women in the workforce in order to effectively contribute to the national economy in the midst of prosperity and comprehensive development that the country has recently witnessed. The conference allows the participants to meet on Thursday (Feb. 22), review and endorse the OIC Labor Market Strategy which was prepared by the Ankara Center, as well as exploring the OIC Agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of Skilled Workforce and the OIC Recommended Bilateral Agreement on Exchange of Manpower, added Dr. Abuthnain. In the respect, Ambassador Hamed Ablair, representative of the OIC Secretary-General, commended the outstanding efforts in expanding scope of work and enhancing relations among the OIC countries. Mr. Ablair expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for hosting the Fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Labor Ministers, wishing the conference yields successful outcomes. Meanwhile, the conference aims to explore labor market challenges occurring in the OIC countries and ways to generate and sustain job opportunities along with exchanging information on policies and successful programs. Additionally, it also sheds light on the Execution of Youth Employment Support (YES) Programme and other related activities, the Activities within the Framework of OIC Occupational Safety and Health Network (OIC-OSHNET) and the OIC Public Employment Services Network (OIC-PESNET).