Tribune News Network
Doha
The Ministry of Labour, in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), organised a ceremony to mark the World Day of Social Justice, on Tuesday.
The day is observed annually on February 20. The World Day of Social Justice emphasizes the importance of social justice in achieving peace and comprehensive progress in the social, environmental, and economic fields.
The ceremony was attended by HE Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Labour, Ali Bu Sharbak Al Mansouri, Acting General Manager, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bilal Malkawi, Regional Representative of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, Mohammed Hassan Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC States, Dr Muhammad Issa Al Issawi, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, and HE Javier Carbajosa Sanchez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain.
Sheikha Najwa emphasized the dedication of Qatar’s third national development strategy to addressing global challenges like inequality, security issues, and poverty. She highlighted the necessity of engaging all three productive sectors in dialogue to reinforce a collective commitment to social justice. In her address at the event, she mentioned the legislative and executive advancements aimed at protecting workers’ rights, promoting fundamental work principles, and ensuring decent employment for everyone. These measures have positively impacted the work environment and attracted skilled labour.
She also mentioned that Qatar has implemented national policies and laws to support and enhance women’s employment. These include measures to build and improve women’s skills through education and training, as well as enabling women to attain public and leadership roles.
She pointed out the need for enhanced flexibility in labour markets to adapt to changing variables and trends. This includes promoting international labour standards, developing governing labour legislation, enhancing the role of women at work, and adapting to new labour markets driven by technological and digital transformation. She highlighted the importance of utilizing modern technological developments in protecting and ensuring the safety of workers without compromising their job security, and achieving social justice amidst global transformations, while also highlighting social disparities and class dynamics.
ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo said: “If we want to reshape our societies and economies to be stable, sustainable, and equitable, we must start by focusing on social justice.” In a recorded speech, he indicated that achieving social justice requires policies and procedures that create equal access to opportunities and provide everyone with the basics of a decent life.
Max Tuñón, Head of the ILO Project Office for Qatar, noted that observing World Day of Social Justice demonstrates the productive cooperation between the ILO and Qatar. He spoke of the continuous quest to turn the principles of decent work and social justice into reality, noting the ongoing joint efforts between the ILO and the Ministry of Labour to achieve the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, particularly prioritising the creation of a workforce fully equipped for future challenges.
Additionally, Bilal Malkawi, Regional Representative of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, stated that throughout history, the labour movement has played a key role in promoting the ideals of social justice. He pointed to the close relationship between social justice and the labour movement, emphasizing the need to promote justice and equality and defend rights in the workplace and in society as a whole. He explained that the State of Qatar has made significant strides at the local level, especially in the field of workers’ rights, by amending legislation.
HE Javier Carbajosa Sanchez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, affirmed Spain’s commitment to social justice and the values of the Global Alliance for Social Justice, which is a priority in its domestic and foreign policies. He noted that Spain appreciates the legislative updates implemented by the State of Qatar in recent years, emphasizing Qatar’s significant strides at the local level, particularly in the field of workers’ rights.
Moreover, Tuñón stated that celebrating World Day of Social Justice is conclusive evidence of the fruitful and constructive cooperation between the International Labour Organization and the State of Qatar. He highlighted the continuous effort to turn the principles of decent work and social justice into a tangible reality.
At the end of the celebration, the artistic panel by the painter Hanifa Abdul Qader was unveiled. She created her artwork inspired by the words and phrases during the ceremony, emphasizing that the artwork symbolizes and indicates Qatar’s collective commitment to social justice.
