Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Continent-wide solidarity is vital to combat poverty and inequality through employment-intensive investment and inclusive jobs, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagese Chafo stressed.
Addressing the opening of the 20th International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Conference for Labour-Based Practitioners at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, House Speaker Tagese emphasized the urgency of coordinated action.
There is still a need for an even greater push required to achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth, productive employment and decent work for all, he said.
The Speaker also urged African nations to come together and exert “collective action in identifying and agreeing upon effective strategies,” emphasizing the importance of “mainstreaming of employment intensive approach in our national and local economic development efforts.”
The Speaker cited the country’s experience “Ethiopia’s successive development plans, broad based policy reforms and programs have been implemented to tackle the most pressing challenge, such as poverty and employment and social imbalances.”
The Speaker also remarked Ethiopia’s dual focus on environmental and employment objectives.
He added “Strategic investments have been directed toward environmental sustainability through flagship initiatives such as the Green Legacy, while simultaneously efforts have been focused on expanding access to essential infrastructure and public services.”
Affirming the success of such efforts, he stated “These consecutive sector development programs, particularly in the infrastructure, have not only improved the quality of life for millions, but have also generated thousands of employment opportunities across the nation.”
Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, Chaltu Sani on her part elaborated the challenges facing humanity.
“We find ourselves at a critical juncture. The world faces complex challenges, including sluggish economic development, climate change, digital divide and geo-political conflicts that are driving unemployment (particularly youth unemployment), poverty, displacement and inequality in all parts of the world,” she elaborated.
Chaltu reaffirmed Ethiopia’s leading role in the Employment-Intensive Investment Program (EIIP)”.
“My Ministry through the Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) is one of the pioneers in the use of Employment intensive approach. The biggest chunk of our road network was also built and is being maintained using this approach,” she added.
She further said “These programs and initiatives have created thousands of jobs for the vulnerable communities, while implementing environmentally sustainable practices that protect our natural resources.”
International Labour Organization Director General,Gilbert F. Houngbio, on his part said despite progress in many areas access to productive and descent employment remains a pressing concern across the African continent.
We do have the capacity to address the intertwined challenges of poverty unemployment and inequality, he said.
The week-long regional ILO conference was officially opened today, jointly hosted by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, the Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA), and the International Labour Organization. It convenes under the theme: “Resilient Communities and Healthy Environment: The Employment-Intensive Investment Program (EIIP) Approach.”
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