DOHA: The Arab Labor Organization's Board of Directors have elected the State of Qatar, represented by the Minister of Labor HE Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, as the Chairman for the 99th session, extending until Oct 2024. This election took place in Doha during the organization's Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday.
The State of Qatar is hosting the 99th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization with the participation of representatives of the three production parties in the Arab countries (governments, employers, workers) in accordance with the principle of tripartite representation and a number of relevant Arab and regional organisations.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Labor, Rehabilitation and Civil Service of the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya HE Ali Al Abed; Director-General of the Arab Labor Organization HE Fayez Ali Al Mutairi, and heads of tripartite delegations from Arab countries.The members of the Board of Directors of ALO elected the UAE's Hind bint Suleiman as Vice President of the Employers' Group, and Saudi Arabia's Nasser Al Jareed as Vice President of the Workers' Group.
Dr Al Marri emphasized Qatar's dedication to bolstering joint Arab collaboration to address the prevailing challenges faced by the labour sector in Arab nations due to ongoing crises. He highlighted the urgency of amplifying efforts towards economic revitalization and advocating for decent employment, viewing it as the optimal approach to guarantee a dignified life and uphold the human rights of the Arab people.
During his speech at the opening session of the meeting, the Minister of Labor reiterated the State of Qatar's continuous support for ALO in its efforts to respond to the needs and aspirations of Arab countries in the fields of work, wishing that the meeting would be an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and cooperation in order to achieve the goals of comprehensive and sustainable development in our Arab societies.
His Excellency clarified that the Qatar National Vision 2030 is devoted to evolving Qatar into a forefront nation adept at realizing sustainable development. He emphasized the instrumental role of the labour sector in heightening cognizance regarding the significance of a robust environment within the economy, striving for a just and enduring progression towards a more eco-friendly and greener economy.
In this regard, His Excellency noted the organization and hosting of the State of Qatar of International Horticultural Exhibition Expo 2023, which aims to promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification, calling on the participating delegations to learn about this unique experience in the Middle East and North Africa.
His Excellency highlighted that the ALO Board of Directors convened amidst escalating challenges and economic hardships impacting numerous Arab nations, thereby putting significant social strains on the daily lives of Arab individuals. He emphasized the imperative for unified Arab initiatives to confront present-day obstacles, champion social discourse, reinforce its frameworks on various levels, and offer resolutions to navigate crises, all underpinned by a collective spirit of responsibility and collaboration among stakeholders.
His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's firm position on the Palestinian issue, which is the Arab position committed to establishing the peace process on a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement based on international legitimacy, stressing the data contained in the report on the conditions, workers and people of Palestine in the occupied Arab territories and the most prominent Israeli violations against Palestinian workers, economic violations and closures.
Director General of the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) HE Fayez Ali Al Mutairi expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the State of Qatar, represented by the Minister of Labor HE Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, for hosting the work of the 99th session of the ILO Board of Directors and providing all facilities for the success of its work, praising the reforms and legislation adopted by Qatar in the field of protecting workers' rights.
During his speech at the opening session, Al Mutairi congratulated HE Dr Al Marri for granting the confidence of the members of the Board and choosing him as Chairman for a full year, wishing him all success in his duties, congratulating Hind bint Sulaiman for the Employers Team, and Nasser Al Jareed for the Workers Team for their election as Vice Presidents.
He articulated that the Palestine issue has always remained a paramount concern for the Arab nation, representing land sacred to all monotheistic faiths but now desired by intruders and usurpers. He emphasized the need to bolster the resilience of our brethren against the daily severe and unjust Zionist impositions, assisting them in claiming their rights, determining their own futures, and exerting their citizenship across all occupied Palestinian territories.
