Dubai: Preparatory meetings for the 8th Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) Ministerial Consultation are scheduled to commence tomorrow in Dubai. Senior officials from ministries of labour, human resources, and employment across 16 member states of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue will gather to lay the groundwork for the ministerial consultation taking place on Sunday.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE has been hosting the Permanent Secretariat of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue since its inception in 2008. The Dialogue serves as a voluntary consultative mechanism, providing a public forum for discourse between labour-sending and receiving countries along the Asia labour migration corridor. The discussions aim to enhance bilateral and regional cooperation, strengthen partnerships for developing labour market regulatory frameworks, and exchange innovative initiatives to improve workers' well-being while benefiting the economies of member states.
Shayma Alawadhi, Acting Undersecretary of Labour Market Development and Regulation, elaborated that the meeting underscores the commitment of Abu Dhabi Dialogue member states to foster constructive cooperation and deepen discussions on labour and employment issues. The Dialogue advocates for mutual interests, promoting principles of decent work and sustainable development, balancing developmental needs with workers' rights and protection.
The meeting's agenda and research papers were crafted with an understanding of the rapid transformations in the global economy. Alawadhi emphasized that the focus is on improving labour market governance, strengthening partnerships, and developing policies based on evidence and data. Participants will discuss the importance of investing in future skills, productivity enhancement, and the opportunities arising from strategic international partnerships for skills development.
Other key topics include climate change, the role of women and 'green' talents in the future economy, private-sector engagement, and labour mobility amidst evolving global dynamics. The meeting will also explore the platform economy, presenting experiences and studies on its legal, social, and professional aspects, alongside discussions on international labour mobility systems.
This year marks the first time that Abu Dhabi Dialogue will welcome representatives from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Labour Centre as an observer. Other observer members include representatives from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and the European Union, along with private sector and civil society representatives.