KUALA LUMPUR: Gilbert F. Houngbo’s visit to Malaysia represents a historic milestone as the first official visit by an International Labour Organisation director-general to the country.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim welcomed Houngbo with a casual lunch at Cili Kampung Restaurant yesterday featuring local delights including durian.
The warm and relaxed atmosphere reflected the spirit of openness and friendship that has long underpinned Malaysia-ILO relations according to a Ministry of Human Resources statement.
Government worker and employer representatives attended the meeting highlighting the spirit of mutual respect and trust forming Malaysia’s tripartite cooperation foundation.
Attendees included Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman and Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service deputy secretary-general Mohd Zool Asmani Mahmood and KESUMA International Division secretary Raja Mohd Nizam Raja Kamarulbahrin also participated.
Sim expressed Malaysia’s intention to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice at next year’s 114th International Labour Conference session.
Malaysia’s participation will demonstrate the country’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and expanding social protection nets.
The involvement also supports the Sustainable Development Goals through this ILO initiative established in 2023.
Houngbo attended the Global Skills Forum organised by HRD Corp today serving as an important platform for regional cooperation.
The forum strengthens regional cooperation on skills development and future employment opportunities.
Established in 1919 the ILO is a United Nations specialised agency mandated to promote social justice worldwide.
The organisation safeguards workers’ rights and advances the concept of decent work globally.
Malaysia has been an ILO member state since 1957 and has ratified 18 ILO conventions.
Fourteen ratified conventions remain in force while Malaysia works closely with the ILO on various issues.
Collaboration areas include migrant workers’ rights forced labour and supply chain concerns. – Bernama
