Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), has called on G20 Labour and Employment Ministers to take action on critical issues in the global labour market.
He emphasized the need to tackle skills gaps, invest in social protection systems, and reduce inequalities.
During the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers' meeting hosted by India in Indore, three key topics were discussed: addressing global skills gaps, extending social protection to workers in the gig and platform economies, and ensuring sustainable financing for national social protection systems.
Mr. Houngbo highlighted the deepening global employment divide, particularly with low-income countries falling further behind due to global shocks and risks.
To promote social justice and tackle these challenges, he emphasized the importance of mobilizing more global resources. Initiatives like the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions play a crucial role in providing technical and financial support to address these issues.
Regarding gender inequality, Mr. Houngbo emphasized the need to invest in economic sectors with high youth employment potential and improve the quality of employment to incentivize labour market participation among young people.
Investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and quality apprenticeships are essential to reach disadvantaged youth.
The Ministers also discussed ways to address skills gaps to increase productivity, wages, and firms' capabilities for innovation and technology deployment. The ILO called for a common language on skills and qualifications to facilitate cross-country comparability and mutual recognition of skills.
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