Labor Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore has called for countries to support the renewal of the social contract and move beyond merely ratifying international labour standards.
Speaking during a plenary session at the 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Bore emphasised the necessity of revitalising and reconfiguring existing labour and employment policies to achieve a just transition and sustainable development.
“We cannot continue to talk about decent work and social justice without renewing the social contract," said Bore.
Social contract is the implicit (suggested) or at times explicit understanding of collective responsibilities towards each other.
Bore also highlighted the significant impacts of climate change, technology, artificial intelligence and contemporary geopolitics on the social contract, noting that these factors have left many vulnerable.
She stressed that these challenges have eroded trust in governance institutions among workers and employers, questioning the relevance of tripartism in governance.
The conference, themed 'Renewed Social Contract', saw International Labour Organisation director general Gilbert Houngbo present the annual report during its opening.
During her address, Bore also discussed the recent flooding in the country, which resulted in loss of lives, animal deaths, displacement of families and destruction of property.
She pointed out that these events underscored the urgent need for the renewal of the social contract.
The CS said limited access to digital platforms, high unemployment rates and the effects of global conflicts as further reasons necessitating immediate action.
Despite the challenges, CS Bore acknowledged the significant strides made since the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944 but emphasised the need for continued improvement to address income disparities, inequalities and social exclusion.
This, as she called on the international community to be intentional in their collective actions to build cohesive, peaceful and sustainable communities.
The CS said that current policies and institutions are inadequately prepared to respond to transformations in the world of work.
“As a Community of Nations, the ILO must be intentional in our collective actions,” she remarked.
Labour and Skills Development Principal secretary Shadrack Mwadime PS, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, FKE executive director Jacqueline Mugo are among the leaders accompanying the CS.
