Addis Ababa: Continent-wide solidarity is vital to combat poverty and inequality through employment-intensive investment and inclusive jobs, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagese Chafo stressed. Addressing the opening of the 20th International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, House Speaker Tagese emphasized the urgency of coordinated action.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Speaker highlighted the need for a greater push to achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all. He urged African nations to collaborate and engage in ‘collective action in identifying and agreeing upon effective strategies,’ stressing the importance of integrating employment-intensive approaches into national and local economic development efforts.
The Speaker shared Ethiopia’s experience, noting that the country has implemented successive development plans, broad-based policy reforms, and programs to tackle pressing challenges such as poverty, employment, and social imbalances. He also noted Ethiopia’s dual focus on environmental and employment objectives, pointing out strategic investments in environmental sustainability and infrastructure that have improved quality of life and generated employment opportunities.
Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, Chaltu Sani, further elaborated on global challenges, stating that the world is at a critical juncture facing sluggish economic development, climate change, digital divide, and geopolitical conflicts. These issues contribute to unemployment, poverty, displacement, and inequality worldwide. Chaltu reaffirmed Ethiopia’s leading role in the Employment-Intensive Investment Program (EIIP), highlighting the Ethiopian Roads Administration’s success in creating jobs and implementing environmentally sustainable practices.
International Labour Organization Director General, Gilbert F. Houngbio, acknowledged progress in many areas but emphasized that access to productive and decent employment remains a pressing issue across Africa. He expressed confidence in the continent’s capacity to address the intertwined challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
The week-long regional ILO conference, officially opened today, is jointly hosted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, the Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA), and the International Labour Organization. It convenes under the theme: ‘Resilient Communities and Healthy Environment: The Employment-Intensive Investment Program (EIIP) Approach.’