Chafo emphasized the urgency of coordinated action to achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all, and urged African nations to unite and undertake collective strategies to identify and agree on effective initiatives, with an emphasis on integrating a job-generating approach into our national and local economic development efforts.
Speaking of Ethiopia’s experience, Chafo commented that “successive development plans, broad-based policy reforms, and programs have been implemented to address the most pressing challenges, such as poverty, employment, and social imbalances.”
Chafo noted the country’s dual focus on environmental and employment goals stating that “Strategic investments have been directed toward environmental sustainability through flagship initiatives such as the Green Legacy, while efforts have also been focused on expanding access to essential infrastructure and public services.”
The Minister of Urban Planning and Infrastructure Chaltu Sani warned about current complex challenges such as slow economic development, climate change, the digital division, and geopolitical conflicts, which are driving unemployment, poverty, displacement, and inequality worldwide.
Sani reaffirmed Ethiopia’s leadership in the Employment-Intensive Investment Program. “[The Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure], through the Ethiopian Roads Administration, is one of the pioneers in using an employment-intensive approach. Most of our road network was also built and maintained using this path.” She also informed that the programs and initiatives have created thousands of jobs for vulnerable communities while implementing environmentally sustainable practices to protect natural resources.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbio stated that despite progress in many areas, access to productive and decent jobs remains a pressing concern across the African continent. “We have the capacity to address the interrelated challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” he stated.
The ILO Regional Conference is being held from May 19th to 23rd at the African Union Conference Center, and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure and the Ethiopian Roads Administration.
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