Social dialogue leaders meet to promote social justice in Africa

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI (ILO Info) - The 6th Regional Seminar of the Internationale Francophone du Dialogue Social (IFDS) opened today in Bujumbura, Burundi, on the theme ‘The role of social dialogue in the dynamics of the Global Coalition for Social Justice in Africa’.

The four-day seminar, which runs until 22 November, has brought together key players from 19 countries in French-speaking Africa to explore how social dialogue can help advance the goals of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

© Anders Johnsson / OIT

In her opening speech, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, ILO Regional Director for Africa, emphasised the transformative potential of social dialogue in meeting global challenges. She said: "From climate change to artificial intelligence, from energy to demographic transition, the answers to these questions require all the voices of the world of work to be heard." She also stressed that inclusive and consensual solutions are essential to foster social cohesion and achieve sustainable development.

The seminar was officially opened by Venuste Muyabaga, Burundi's Minister of the Civil Service, Labour and Employment, delegated by H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. He welcomed the participants and expressed his satisfaction at the organisation of the seminar in Bujumbura, underlining Burundi's commitment to social dialogue as the cornerstone of peace and economic progress.

"The government will do everything in its power to ensure that social dialogue is consolidated in the world of work, so that it constitutes an effective pillar in the realisation of a vision that the country has adopted: Burundi, an Emerging Country in 2040 and Developed in 2060," declared Minister Muyabaga.

© Anders Johnsson / OIT

Innocence Ntap Ndiaye, President of the IFDS, who praised the collective efforts to promote tripartism and foster a culture of social dialogue in the Member States, and Sylvestre Ntibantunganya, former President of Burundi and Chairman of the National Committee for Social Dialogue, who spoke of Burundi's achievements in promoting social dialogue to meet the challenges of the labour market, also gave opening speeches.

Promoting social justice in Africa

This year's seminar focuses on integrating social justice into national and regional policy frameworks to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Global Coalition for Social Justice, led by the ILO, seeks to tackle inequality, reduce poverty and create opportunity through collective action and partnership.

Representatives from 19 French-speaking African countries will explore strategies to strengthen social dialogue mechanisms, enabling them to address pressing issues such as technological disruption, climate change and demographic transitions.

As the Regional Director pointed out, "It is through ongoing dialogue conducted through strong and credible institutional mechanisms that our countries will be able to improve their economic performance, governance practices and social stability."

© Anders Johnsson / OIT

Supporting multilateral cooperation

The event reaffirmed the commitment of IFDS and the ILO to making social dialogue a driving force for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa. The delegations present pointed out that their governments have already understood that social dialogue is the main pillar of decent work, and have made it their watchword.

"We strive, whenever necessary, to always favour dialogue between the tripartite constituents when there is a misunderstanding, and we remain confident that with this philosophy and the support of the social partners, social peace in the workplace will always reign," concluded Minister Muyabaga.

Under the leadership of IFDS, the seminar is being organised by Burundi's National Committee for Social Dialogue (CNDS), with strong involvement from the Burundi Employers' Association and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Burundi, and with technical and financial contributions from the ILO.