Ethiopia’s 100th anniversary of ILO membership celebrated

The anniversary was marked with a National Labour Conference in Addis Ababa.

The conference was organised by the ILO in collaboration with its partners: the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) of Ethiopia, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association (CEEA) and Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federation (CEEF).

The High-Level Conference commemorates Ethiopia's ILO Centenary by reflecting on the ILO and tripartite partners' accomplishments in advancing social dialogue, decent work, enhanced productivity and inclusive growth. Additionally, the forum prioritised the agenda of employers’ and workers’ affairs, fostering a collaborative platform for stakeholders in the world of work.

High-Level Government delegates from MoLS, ILO as well as representatives of workers’ and employers' organizations, the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the South Africa Development Community (SADC) and diplomatic missions were in attendance. Additionally, academicians, prominent leaders of organizations as well as other individuals with rich experience in labour issues and policy development participated in the conference and shared their insights.

Speaking at the opening event, H.E. Ms Muferihat Kamil, Minister of MoLS of Ethiopia noted that this important milestone confirms Ethiopia’s commitment to bring industrial peace and increase productivity through social dialogue. “The National Labour Conference helped bring together government, employers’ and workers' organizations, and policymakers to discuss and exchange innovative ideas to improve the labour administration in Ethiopia.”

ILO Regional Director for Africa and Assistant Director-General, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, on her part said, "As we celebrate Ethiopia's 100th Anniversary of ILO membership and National Labour Conference 2023, we reflect not just on history, but also on partnerships that have shaped the landscape of decent work and social justice”.

Mr. Kassahun Follo, President of Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, expresses his appreciation to ILO for working with tripartite partners around setting international labour standards, encouraging decent work, ensuring social protection, and enhancing labour relations in Ethiopia.

Mr. Dawit Moges, First Vice President, Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association for his part said: "When social dialogue becomes a culture at workplace and increase productivity, it enables us to advance social justice."

Eng. Getahun Hussein, President of Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federations states: "This High-Level conference will create a platform to discuss and explore activities, successes, accomplishments, challenges, and notable practices that Ethiopia has experienced since becoming a member of the ILO.”