Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has joined fellow Labour Ministers in a three-day session in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 5th Session of the Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers. The conference, held from November 21st to 23rd, focuses on discussions around innovative labour solutions and the digitalization of employment services within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states.
Facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in partnership with the OIC, this three-day session aims to delve into various OIC programs concerning labour, employment and social protection.
Additionally, it’s a platform for exchanging insights on emerging challenges affecting workers and labour markets across OIC States.
Minister Swaray’s participation emphasizes the collective drive to address shared challenges encountered by OIC member States in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth through employment and social protection measures.
Furthermore, the Minister is set to engage in several bilateral discussions with other OIC member States which will center on promoting initiatives such as labour employment promotion for decent work, social protection mechanisms, capacity building, and training, among other crucial issues.
This conference aligns with the vision of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, aiming not only to create 500,000 jobs but also to establish a conducive, environment for workers and employees. Minister Swaray seeks to advocate for this vision among OIC member States and explore opportunities that can be implemented within Sierra Leone.
One highlight of the three-day event will be the provisional opening of the OIC Labour and Employment Center. This Center, initially proposed by the President of Azerbaijan in 2013 during the 2nd Session of the Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers, has its headquarters in Baku. It received unanimous support from OIC member States, and a statute was approved by the Members. Sierra Leone is anticipated to sign and ratify the provided statute in the near future.
The forthcoming Center aims to serve as a pivotal institution for training, capacity building, and a centralized hub for addressing pertinent issues within the focus areas of OIC member states.
