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MBABANE – The ILO has highlighted the importance of job creation as a risk reduction strategy as emphasised in the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development attended by His Majesty King Mswati III.
The ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development is themed Building Resilience Must Start with Decent Work.
The conference will look at why investing in decent work is the most effective way to build resilience and prevent crises, according to André Bogui, Assistant Director General and Director of the Director General’s Office, ILO.
Bogui, in a media release, stated that job creation was imperative for disaster risk reduction because across Africa lies tremendous potential, a growing youth population, a spirit of innovation and communities determined to build a better future.
“With the right support, this potential can drive inclusive growth, peace and resilience far beyond the continent,” mentioned Bogui.
He further stated that as the planet grappled with rising insecurity, climate shocks and humanitarian crises, nowhere were these converging challenges felt more acutely than in Africa, where communities stand on the front line of vulnerability.
“At the International Labour Organisation, we believe that work is not just about livelihoods. It is the foundation of resilience, peace and security. It is how communities rebuild, how displaced people regain dignity and how countries can avert the next crisis before it begins,” explained the assistant director general at ILO.
He further acknowledged that Japan had long recognised that investing in decent work was paramount for development. According to Bogui, as a global leader in disaster risk reduction and a valued ILO partner since its founding, Japan had supported investments in decent work that do more than create jobs ‘they lay the cornerstone for lasting stability,’ he said.
“When people have access to productive and quality employment, they are better able to withstand shocks, support their families and contribute to peaceful societies.
“That is why, together with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, we are bringing this message to the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development: building resilience must start with decent work,” stated Bogui.
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The welcome party for His Majesty and his delegation for the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development. (Pic: Courtesy)