Jordan Chairs Arab Labor Conference As Region Confronts Changing Job Market

Cairo, Sept. 14 (Petra) -- Jordan is chairing the 52nd Arab Labor Conference in Cairo as governments, employers and workers examine how Arab labor markets can respond to economic shifts, digital transformation and climate change while expanding employment and strengthening worker protection.

The Jordanian delegation called for closer regional coordination on employment, vocational training and social protection, alongside updated labor policies and legislation capable of keeping pace with changes reshaping workplaces and skills demand.

It also stressed the need for stronger dialogue among governments, employers and workers and greater exchange of expertise in vocational training, occupational safety and health, and social protection.

Lower House Labor Committee Chairman Andre Hawari said Jordan's presidency of the conference reflects its engagement in regional labor issues and its efforts to develop legislation that protects workers while responding to changing labor-market requirements.

He said the gathering comes amid rapid regional and international developments that are creating new challenges for workers and employers, expressing hope that its decisions would strengthen coordination among the three parties to the labor market.

The conference is examining sustainable economic growth as a pathway to broader and more equitable development across Arab countries, according to lawmaker Jamil Dhaisat.

Its agenda also covers implementation of previous Arab Labor Organization decisions and recommendations, the organization's plan and budget, and the outcome of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva.

Other discussions focus on the impact of climate change on the working environment and the challenges facing startups amid digital transformation.

Dhaisat said the Lower House has addressed labor-market issues through legislation governing labor, social security and vocational training, with a focus on occupational safety, workers' rights and the relationship between employees and employers.

Jordan Chamber of Industry representative Mohammad Jitan, meanwhile, linked labor-market resilience to broader Arab economic integration, arguing that stronger regional trade could generate additional investment and employment opportunities.

He called for further implementation of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and the removal of tariffs and other obstacles to trade between Arab economies.

Jitan said the economic and political crises affecting the region have increased pressure on businesses, adding that measures taken in the Kingdom to support private-sector resilience have included reducing customs duties and introducing incentives for economic activity.

Greater economic and trade integration, he said, would give Arab economies more capacity to withstand external shocks while creating wider opportunities for investment and employment.

//Petra// RZ

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