The State of Qatar has been elected as the President of the Board of Directors for the 99th session of the Arab Labor Organization.
The members of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization have elected the State of Qatar, represented by His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labor, as the President of the Board of Directors for the Organization's 99th session, extending until October 2024. This election took place on the sidelines of the organization's Board of Directors meeting held today in Doha.
The State of Qatar is hosting the 99th meeting of the Arab Labor Organization's Board of Directors, with the participation of representatives from the three key stakeholders in Arab countries, including governments, employers, and workers, in accordance with the tripartite representation principle, and various relevant Arab and regional organizations.
The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mr. Ali Al-Abed, Minister of Labor, Rehabilitation, and Public Service in the National Unity Government of the State of Libya, His Excellency Mr. Fayez Ali Al-Mutairi, the Director-General of the Arab Labor Organization, and the heads of tripartite delegations from Arab countries.
The members of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization elected Mrs. Hind bint Sulaiman (United Arab Emirates) as the Vice President of the Employers Group and Mr. Nasser Al-Jarid (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) as the Vice President of the Workers Group.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labor, emphasized the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting joint Arab cooperation in addressing the current challenges facing the labor sector in Arab countries due to successive crises. He explained that it is crucial to intensify efforts to achieve economic recovery and promote decent work as the best means to ensure a decent life and respect for human rights in Arab countries.
During his opening speech at the meeting, His Excellency the Minister of Labor reiterated Qatar's continuous support for the Arab Labor Organization in its efforts to meet the needs and aspirations of Arab countries in the field of labor. He expressed hope that the meeting would provide an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and cooperation in order to achieve the global and sustainable development goals of Arab societies.
His Excellency explained that Qatar's National Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a developed nation capable of achieving sustainable development. He noted that the world of work plays an essential role in raising awareness about the importance of a healthy economy, leading to a just world and a sustainable transition towards a greener economy.
In this regard, His Excellency mentioned that Qatar is organizing and hosting the International Horticultural Exposition Expo 2023 Doha, which aims to promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification. He encouraged participating delegations to explore this unique experience in the Middle East and North Africa.
His Excellency the Minister of Labor emphasized that the meeting of the organization Board of Directors took place at a time when serious challenges are multiplying, with many Arab countries facing economic crises that impose social burdens on Arab citizens in various aspects of their lives. He stressed the need for Arab efforts to unite in addressing current challenges, promoting social dialogue, supporting national mechanisms, and proposing solutions to crises in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation among social partners.
He reiterated Qatar firm position on the Palestinian issue, affirming the Arab commitment to establishing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace process based on international legitimacy. He highlighted the information in the report concerning the conditions of Palestinian workers and people in the occupied Arab territories, including Israeli violations against Palestinian workers, economic violations, and blockades.
For his part, His Excellency Mr. Fayez Ali Al-Mutairi, the Director-General of the Arab Labor Organization, expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the State of Qatar, represented by His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, Minister of Labor, for hosting the 99th session of the organization Board of Directors and providing all the facilities for the success of its work. He also commended the reforms and legislation that Qatar has adopted in the field of protecting workers' rights.
During his speech at the opening session, Al-Mutairi also congratulated His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri for the trust placed in him by the Board members in choosing him as the President for a full year. He wished him all the best and success in his duties. He also congratulated Mrs. Hind Bint Sulaiman from the employers' team and Mr. Nasser Al-Jarid from the workers' team for being elected as vice presidents.
Al-Mutairi explained that the issue of Palestine has always been at the forefront of Arab concerns, emphasizing the need to support and assist the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in obtaining their rights, determining their fate, and exercising their citizenship in all occupied Palestinian territories.
He praised the Arab Labor Organization report on the conditions of workers in the occupied Palestinian territories, through which the organization seeks to denounce the occupation crimes, shed light on the conditions of workers and the Palestinian people, and guide towards executive measures that ensure an acceptable level of security and economic and social stability in their lands and their state.
In turn, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Khair, Minister Plenipotentiary representing the League of Arab States, highlighted the numerous challenges facing Arab societies, necessitating collective efforts and a review of executive mechanisms. He emphasized the five priorities within the framework of common Arab action, including sustainable development, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and security, food, and climate change.
He stressed the need to promote a culture of digital transformation, harness modern technology to develop capacities and skills, and establish Arab platforms for public awareness and knowledge development in the field of labor, which contributes to overcoming current challenges.
The Council discussed a number of important points and reports and issued decisions and recommendations related to the results of the 32nd meeting of the Organization and Coordination Committee and the report on the conditions of workers and the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab countries. The Council also presented an update on the implementation of decisions from the 98th session of the Arab Labor Organization Board of Directors.