Arab States: Unions strategize on shaping a renewed social contract

BEIRUT, (13 February 2025, ILO News) – Macroeconomic framework that promotes social and labour issues and the use of opportunities of technological advancements while mitigating the potential negative externalities; are key to achieve a more sustainable development and a renewed social contract for the Arab States economies, according to the conclusions of a two days regional conference on the new social contract.

Organized by the International Labour Organization’s Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), this conference served as a platform for dialogue, exchange, and strategy development on the role of social partners in shaping and implementing a renewed social contract.

Participants from various countries of the Arab region discussed the failures of existing social contract with focus on macroeconomic policies and technological advancements as key drivers of transformation. They stressed also the importance of social dialogue and collective bargaining in ensuring that economic development translates into improved living standards for all.

The inclusion of employment and social priorities in economic policy making both nationally and globally, is a crucial aspect for the sustainability and effectiveness of a new social contract, especially in the context of large informal economies in many countries in the Arab States region. In shaping a renewed social contract, we need to ensure that the rapid transformative changes, including the acceleration of technological advancements, do not undermine human and labour rights

Maria Helena André, Director of ACTRAV

The event is a part of the series of regional discussions organized by ACTRAV around the globe to prepare trade unions contributions towards the upcoming debate at the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.

About the New Social Contract

The world is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing patterns in globalisation, rapid technological change and the ever-present climate crisis. These changes are profoundly affecting the world of work, threatening sustainable economic development and social cohesion in many countries. This has challenged the capacity of many governments to provide adequately for its people and to honour its social contract, given the fact that regulatory systems, structural reforms and other public policies are oftentimes not keeping up with changes in the world of work. 

The concept of a "new social contract" emerges as a framework to redefine state-society relations. It provides an opportunity to take stock of the existing social contract between the state and its people, and to assess whether it is on the one hand adapting to the transformation changes, and on the other is inclusive enough to cover all, particularly those in vulnerable situations. 

Thus, this new social contract should aim to ensure social progress, justice, and inclusivity in all aspects of social and economic life. It should conceivably emphasize the crucial role of the labour market in aligning economic, social, and employment priorities to ensure everyone benefits from economic development through decent work and social protection.

For more information, please contact:

Mustapha SAID
Senior Specialist, Workers ‘Activities, Arab States, ILO ACTRAV
Email: said@ilo.org

Mamadou Kaba SOUARE
Head of Communications and Publications, ILO ACTRAV
Email: souare@ilo.org