ILO Calls for Rights-Based Policies Amid Labor Market Shifts – Mexico Business News

Report on the Third Global Labour Market Conference: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

During the third Global Labour Market Conference held on January 26–27, Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), highlighted the necessity for coordinated, human-centered, and rights-based policies to address the structural changes reshaping global labor markets. The conference underscored the importance of aligning labor market reforms with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work, economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships.

Key Challenges and Policy Responses

Houngbo identified several transformative trends impacting the world of work, including:

1. Rapid technological change
2. Demographic shifts
3. Migration
4. Climate shocks
5. Economic fragmentation
6. Global uncertainty

These factors influence job creation, job quality, and inequality across regions, necessitating policy responses grounded in social justice, international labor standards, global cooperation, and evidence-based governance. This approach aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Focus on Job Quality and Inclusivity

Houngbo emphasized that the central challenge is not only the quantity of jobs created but also the quality, inclusivity, and conditions under which they are offered. He stressed that employment growth must outpace disruption, reflecting the goals of SDG 8 and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), given the particular vulnerability of young people and women to labor market disruptions.

Technology and Skills Development

Technology was identified as a potential driver of productivity and growth if supported by:

• Investment in skills development (SDG 4: Quality Education)
• Strong labor institutions
• Effective social dialogue

This framework enables workers and enterprises to adapt to change, fostering innovation while protecting workers’ rights. Houngbo reiterated this during discussions on governing the AI transition in the workplace, highlighting the need for responsible technological adoption consistent with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Protecting Workers and Promoting Social Protection

Managing labor market transitions requires balancing worker protection with business innovation and expansion. Key recommendations included:

• Renewed investment in lifelong learning
• Active labor market policies
• Strengthening social protection systems
• Special focus on young people, women, migrant, and displaced workers

These measures support SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

International Cooperation and Partnerships

On the sidelines of the conference, Houngbo engaged in bilateral meetings with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, along with senior government and social partner representatives. Discussions centered on:

• Employment creation
• Skills development
• Social protection
• Labor migration
• Labor market institutions
• Promotion of decent work

This cooperation exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reinforcing the ILO’s partnership with Saudi Arabia on labor market reform.

Addressing Crises and Building Resilience

Houngbo also participated in a side event with global employer representatives to discuss the impact of multiple crises on labor markets. Strategies highlighted included:

• Rapid technological adoption
• Creation of resilient and inclusive workplaces
• Strengthening social protection systems to support workers during crises

These strategies contribute to SDG 8 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering inclusive economic growth and resilient infrastructures.

Conclusion: The Importance of Dialogue and Collective Action

The conference brought together ministers, social partners, business leaders, and international organizations. Houngbo emphasized that platforms for dialogue are critical amid global uncertainty. He reaffirmed that collective action and tripartite cooperation remain central to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable labor markets, directly supporting the achievement of multiple SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses extensively on labor markets, job creation, job quality, and employment growth.
   • Emphasis on decent work, social protection, and labor market reforms aligns with SDG 8.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Investment in lifelong learning and skills development is highlighted.
   • Focus on adapting workers to technological change through education and training.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Attention to young people and women facing higher exposure to labor market disruption.
   • Calls for inclusive labor policies that consider gender disparities.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing inequality across regions and vulnerable groups such as migrants and displaced workers.
   • Focus on social justice and international labor standards.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Recognition of climate shocks as a factor reshaping labor markets.
   • Need for policies that consider climate-related disruptions.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and higher education.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities in economic life.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, and responsible migration and mobility of people.
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Employment and Labor Market Indicators
   • Job creation rates and employment growth compared to disruption rates.
   • Proportion of youth and women employed or in training.
   • Quality of jobs, including decent work conditions and labor rights protection.
2. Skills and Education Indicators
   • Number of workers receiving lifelong learning and skills development.
   • Access to vocational and technical education.
3. Social Protection Indicators
   • Coverage and effectiveness of social protection systems for workers.
4. Inclusion and Equality Indicators
   • Labor market participation rates by gender, age, and migrant status.
   • Measures of inequality in job quality and access.
5. Climate Resilience Indicators
   • Adaptation measures in labor markets to climate shocks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mexicobusiness.news