Objectives

The aim of the meeting is to bring together representatives from the MENA countries, the international community, donors who are interested in lending support to those countries, and ILO constituents in general.

Since the beginning of 2011, developments in North Africa and the Middle East have led to a major mobilization of the ILO to support constituents, to monitor developments in relation to ILO standards, and to provide advice and technical assistance on a wide range of issues. The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss how the Decent Work agenda provides a framework for countries to respond to the challenges and events unfolding since the beginning of the year.

The situation differs from country to country, however a number of the root causes directly relevant to the ILO’s core mandate stand out, including high levels of youth unemployment, deficiencies in labour market governance, insufficient social protection schemes, and lack of respect for fundamental principles and rights at work.

In countries currently in transition, ILO ongoing and planned technical assistance projects will be presented (20 projects amounting US$60 million). For other countries, insight will be provided on how the ILO is working with its constituents to prepare a programme of support to be implemented when the situation allows for that. In a further range of countries, the ILO is assisting with new labour market policies, enhanced social dialogue and respect for labour standards, which are seen as critical public policy areas to respond to the expectations of the people.

Programme

13h30 Welcome and Introduction

13h40 Video presentation MENA

13h45 Statements by representatives of MENA countries

Mr. Hisham Badr, Ambassador. Permanent Mission of Egypt, Geneva

Mr. Shehab Madi, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Jordan, Geneva (tbc)

Mr. Samir Koubaa, Chargé d’Affaires, Mission permanente de la Tunisie, Genève

14h00 Presentation of ILO response to date, challenges and perspectives

Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, ILO Regional Director for Arab States

Mr. Charles Dan, ILO Regional Director for Africa

14h45 Discussion

15h30 Closure

Logistics

ILO Headquarters is located at 4, Route des Morillons in Geneva (10 minute walk from the Palais des Nations). The Meeting room (XI) is located on level R2 (south). Interpretation will be provided in English, French and Arabic.

Confirmation of attendance to Ms. Thelma Smith (smithtj@ilo.org) or Tlf. +41 22 799 7003.