At the closing ceremony of the 16th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) delegates agreed a “Bali Declaration” which outlines priorities for policies and actions at national level and by the ILO. “Governments, employers and workers in the region agree that action to promote decent work fosters inclusive growth and social justice, stimulates economic dynamism and innovation, and drives sustainable development,” the Declaration states.

Welcoming the Bali Declaration, the ILO’s Director General Guy Ryder told delegates that “implementing the Declaration can change and improve the lives of many millions of workers and their families. It can begin the task of generating the 249 million decent jobs that need to be generated in this region if we are to implement Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Manpower of Indonesia, Hanif Dhakiri, appraised the high commitment shown by the delegates to promote decent work for inclusive growth in the region. “I would like to urge the member States of the region to take home this clear and consensual Declaration and to continue its application as an effort to promote decent work in the region,” he said.

The four-day conference, held from 6 to 9 December 2016, was officially opened by the Vice President of Indonesia, H.E Jusuf Kalla. “The ILO’s mandate of realizing social justice is in line with Indonesia’s constitution: equal welfare and justice for all,” the Vice President told delegates in his opening remarks.

“Of paramount importance is focusing on positive developments and working together to realize decent work, and meet the aspirations of workers and employers, who ultimately share similar needs and concerns,” he added.

The APRM was attended by some 350 delegates – including 24 ministers – representing governments and workers’ and employers’ organizations from 37 countries in Asia, the Pacific and Arab States region.