By Frank Kamuntu
Leaders from around the world have gathered in Geneva for the World of Work Summit to discuss ways to reduce inequalities and promote social development.
Among those in attendance was the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Amongi Betty Akena, President of South Africa, H.E Ramaphosa Cyril, and President of Switzerland, H.E Alain Berset, among many other heads of state.
As the summit kicked off, Hon. Amongi Betty Akena delivered a powerful speech calling for a collective commitment and determination to reduce inequalities. She urged world leaders to refocus on the aspirations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) crafted century ago, which put people at the heart of social development.
“We must design policies to promote equal opportunities that guarantee the rights of each individual to pursue development,” Amongi noted.
She added that a more equitable and sustainable future should be the guiding principle of actions by governments around the world if the global community is to achieve social justice for all.
Amongi called on governments to focus on creating opportunities for women, youth, and other vulnerable groups through scaling up global financing for social protection, providing policies to attract enterprises to grow, skilling youth and women and focusing on equal access to affordable internet and digital literacy.
“Technological innovations provide amazing opportunities to bring more decent work, we should prioritize and finance creativity and digital innovations,” Amongi asserted, noting that in Uganda, many small and medium businesses are now operating online.
The high-level meeting at the World of Work Summit has been addressed by many heads of state, including the President of Switzerland, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Malta, Sweden, the UN Secretary-General, the Director-General of ILO, and many others. H.E Ruto is due to address the conference today, June 15th, 2023.
