On November 5, 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS) and the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) signed a landmark Joint Plan of Activities for 2025-2029. This agreement, launched during the ILO Governing Body meetings, underscores a shared commitment to advancing the Decent Work Agenda and fostering sustainable labour market growth across the GCC region.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dr. Ruba Jaradat, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Arab States; H.E. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in GCC States; Peter Van Rooij, Director of the ILO’s Multilateral, Partnerships and Development Cooperation Department; Anita Amorim, Head of the Emerging and Special Partnerships Unit; Ameera Al-Adba, Secondee at ESPU; and Khalil Bohazza, Director of Labour Affairs at the GCC Executive Bureau.
This 2025-2029 Joint Plan builds on a longstanding partnership, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities for the GCC workforce. Key focus areas include digital labour, gender equality, green jobs, social protection, and workforce localization, reflecting shared objectives of creating inclusive, resilient labour markets aligned with regional and global visions.
The plan outlines eight core priorities:
- New Forms of Work: Protecting worker rights in the evolving digital economy.
- Labour Dispute Mechanisms: Enhancing frameworks for effective dispute resolution.
- Green Jobs and Just Transition: Supporting workforce transitions in line with clean energy initiatives.
- Gender Equality: Advancing women’s participation and addressing wage disparities.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH): Enhancing OSH systems and practices.
- Skills Forecasting: Preparing for future skills needs.
- Employment Policies and Minimum Wage: Reviewing and assessing national employment policies.
- Social Protection: Expanding protections, particularly for migrant workers.
The signing underscored the importance of working together closely to achieve the GCC-ILO common goals. The joint plan includes initiatives supported by South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), which fosters the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and innovative practices across regions. Through SSTC, several projects will address areas such as green jobs, social protection, and labour governance, reinforcing the GCC and ILO’s commitment to building a skilled, protected, and resilient workforce. Together, the GCC and ILO aim to foster sustainable and inclusive growth across the region, harnessing the power of partnership to drive forward the Decent Work Agenda.