In a recent address to the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi emphasized the need for accelerated global policy coordination and joint action. With only seven years to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 targets, Nxesi stressed the important role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) members in facilitating dialogues and enhancing policy coherence.
The Importance of Social Justice
The United Nations’ Global Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aim to eradicate poverty and hunger, ensure human rights, achieve gender equality, empower women and girls, and protect the planet and its resources. Nxesi praised ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo’s opening remarks, which aligned with South Africa’s shared aspirations for greater social justice.
Facing Global Challenges
Nxesi acknowledged the multitude of challenges that threaten social justice on a global scale. Pandemics, economic inequalities, inadequate investments in social development, and weakening global solidarity require urgent attention and collaborative action. In response, Nxesi proposed the formation of a Global Coalition for Social Justice to prioritize social justice as a global policy imperative and foster multilateral cooperation among ILO partners and stakeholders.
Strengthening Existing Frameworks
Nxesi supported the call for the Global Coalition to strengthen existing frameworks. He emphasized that closer engagement among organizations like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, and ILO is essential. Current initiatives also strive to attain the same goals as the coalition; thus, there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
The ILO’s Pivotal Role
Nxesi highlighted the ILO’s tripartite composition’s pivotal role in shaping social contracts at national and international levels. He stressed that the Global Coalition’s success depends on its inclusivity and social dialogue. Collaboration among governments, employers’ organizations, and workers’ organizations can lead to inclusive policies, social dialogue, sustainable job creation, and sustainable development.
Building a More Equitable Future
Recurring crises, economic inequalities, poverty, unsafe working conditions, conflicts, and discrimination continue to impede progress toward social justice. Nxesi emphasized the importance of acting decisively to reverse these trends, protect the dignity and well-being of workers around the world, and build a more equitable future.
During his attendance at the ILC, Nxesi is also scheduled to participate in bilateral meetings with various counterparts and attend the African Regional Labour Administration Centre’s Governing Council meeting. Additionally, he will host the BRICS Employment and Labour Ministers to apprise them of plans for the upcoming September Employment Working Group meetings in South Africa. Minister Nxesi’s call for global policy coordination and joint action highlights the importance of addressing global challenges to achieve the SDG 2030 targets and foster social justice.
