The Institute for Labour and Employment Studies (ILES) will host its second annual labour conference from September 14 to 15 at Travel Lodge in Gaborone.
The conference will be held under the theme, “A Just Transition and Decent Work: Inclusive Job Creation Approaches and Effective Labour Market Protection Systems”.
When launching the conference in Gaborone, the ILES Chief Executive Officer, Shandukani Hhabano said the conference will address the dynamics of the Botswana labour market and chart its way into the future, with the aid of different stakeholders in the World of Work.
“The conference objectives are to investigate national policies and strategies, as well as implement plans for a Just Transition and Decent Work programmes that promote inclusive socio-economic advancement. We further want to assess policy frameworks and practical recommendations for job creation, which drive the Decent Work agenda and quality jobs for all,” says a statement from Hlabano.
“The conference will also establish the role of social dialogue and tripartite partnerships by the Government, Employers’ and Worker Organisation’s, as well as, their responsibilities in a successful implementation of an inclusive job creation approach and effective labour market protection systems,” it added. Hlabano further said, the labour conference will discuss the impacts and risks resulting from climate, technology and demographic changes centred around prevention and protection measures that promote.
“A Just Transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all will formulate coherent guidelines, policies and programmes in relation to the protection of worker’s health and well-being at work, communities and the environment against the risks and effects from technological, environmental and demographic dynamics. The conference will establish the status of unemployment in the country and the SADC region and steps taken by Botswana to enhance job creation and productive jobs which the country committed to in its various policies and strategies," said Hlabano.
The conference is also expected to gather a network of more than 300 local and international delegates who are essential stakeholders and experts on a just transition and decent work agenda.
Furthermore, ILES Labour economist researcher Abel Mapango highlighted that the conference is divided into four thematic themes that will guide the discussions and delivery, captained by distinguished moderators and panellists. Four speakers, four moderators and twenty panellists are expected, respectively. Thematic areas include Botswana’s policy frameworks, strategies and implementation plan for job creation and quality jobs for all to an environmentally sustainable economy.
The second thematic area will discuss the social dialogue and tripartite partnership’s responsibilities in a successful implementation of an inclusive job creation approach and effective labor market protection systems. The third dialogue will engage the Climate, technology and demographic dynamics and gender sensitive measures.
The fourth thematic area will cover the Gender sensitive labour market protection systems that improve the health and well-being of workers and foster A Just Transition working environment. The theme for this year’s conference follows the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 111th session of the International Labour Conference meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland from June 5th -16, 2023. Meanwhile tickets are available from the ILES office at P4, 300. 00 per delegate. The sponsorship packages are also available.