ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo addresses NCE 44
Last June 27-28, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) held its 44th National Conference of Employers held at the Manila Hotel, focused on Human-Centred Transitions for a Just and Sustainable Workplace and invited ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to speak at the concluding plenary session.
The ILO Director-General Houngbo expounded on the advancing social justice and promoting decent work, amid the emerging trends and challenges in the world of work, now and in the future. He stressed on the challenges in the future of work, and the opportunities for convergence and collaboration in a multilateral system.
ILO Director-General Houngbo mentioned, “A human-centred approach that creates just and sustainable workplaces recognizes the dignity and the rights of all workers, regardless of gender, regardless of age, regardless of ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. It requires a fair and equal environment, in which workers’ voices are heard, and their well-being is prioritized.”
To progress into an inclusive labor market and sustainable growth, the Director-General identified key factors and challenges of achieving a just and sustainable workplace. Among these are tackling informality, that perpetuates job insecurity in the Philippines. Creating sustainable enterprises, the ensures equal connectivity between employers and employees. Investing in education and skills development, that allows programs that would enhance employee skills. Addressing the youth unemployment, that would allow for the voices of the youth to be heard. Opening doors on the discussion on gender equality, that allows progress for equal pay for all. Lastly, is creating social dialogue that involves all institutions that would greatly resolve labor disputes and ultimately promote social justice.