Mito Tsukamoto, Head of the ILO’s Employment, Development, and Investment Department, made this statement while commending Addis Ababa for the successful hosting of the conference. The event, held from May 19–23 in the capital, carries the theme “Resilient Communities and Healthy Environments: An Employment-Intensive Investment Program (EIIP) Approach.”

Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, Tsukamoto said Addis Ababa provided a crucial platform for policymakers to design inclusive employment strategies. She also reaffirmed the international organization’s continued support to foster sustainable job creation across Africa.

She stated, “The IIEP demonstrates, at a community level, how these initiatives can generate inclusive prosperity and essential infrastructure.” She recalled that this initiative, launched in the 1970s, was thoroughly tested and refined and noted: “These South-South collaborative events are essential, and we are deeply grateful to the Ethiopian government for bringing together key ministers to guide public policy on the continent.”

A joint statement from more than 25 participating African members emphasized the critical role of employment-intensive investment programs and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing skills through technology and fostering strong partnerships for effective implementation.

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