Leaving no one behind and building back better from COVID-19: The Future of Work in LDCs

madagascar_ilo.jpg

The picture seller use a protective mask to sell their merchandise in Madagascar.

During the COVID period, merchants use a protective mask to sell their goods in Madagascar.

E. Raboanaly/ILO

Thursday, 19 November 2020 - 9:00am to 11:00am

REGISTER

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing labour market ravages in all regions, some of those trends are accelerating, thereby generating new challenges and opportunities for job creation. While advanced economies are responding promptly and stand ready to invest to take benefit from the spread of remote working arrangements, increasing automation and the reshuffling of global value chains, LDCs struggle to overcome deep rooted and pre-existing decent work deficits.

As we enter the last ten years of the 2030 Agenda and begin preparations for the Fifth United Nations Conference on the LDCs (LDC5), where the new Programme of Action for LDCs will be agreed, this event will reflect on the actions required at national and international levels to achieve a promising future of work in LDCs. The event will look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on labour markets in LDCs and explore the policy frameworks that can foster recovery and build future resilience.

SPEAKERS

H.E. Mr. Perks Master Clemency Ligoya, Permanent Representative of Malawi to the United Nations

H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations

H.E. Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations

Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

Mr. Moussa Oumarou, Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships, ILO

Mr. Aurelio Parisotto, Head, Employment and Economic Analyses Unit, Employment Policy Department, ILO

Mr. Bo?tjan Skalar, CEO, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies

Ms. Chema Triki, Advisor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Embedded at the Jobs Creation Commission in Ethiopia

Ms. Khamati Mugalla, Executive Secretary of East African Trade Union Confederation

Ms. Grace Suh, Vice President, Education and Skills, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility

KEY QUESTIONS

What are the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for labour markets in the LDCs, and what lessons can be learnt from the LDC policy responses to the crisis? How can those lessons be used to promote job recovery and future resilience?
As progress in automation, digitization, connected systems continue to advance, and economies are de-globalizing, how will this impact LDCs?
Recognizing the limited fiscal space in LDCs, what types of frameworks for employment creation and investment are required to boost job creation and productivity, while also ensuring adequate income security?
What forms of international support would be most helpful?

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this special event is to stimulate an open, in-depth and interactive discussion of best practices while highlighting both opportunities and challenges. The side event brings together governments, policy-makers, researchers and social partners to provide guidance and recommendations on key questions concerning the future of work in LDCs. It will provide the latest employment data in LDCs and present a snapshot of policy options to explore further as member States embark on the road to LDC5. It will provide an opportunity to take stock of progress made and share best practices or lessons learned to ensure a productive future of work where no LDC is left behind.