Ilo Director-General: Multiple crises hinder Labour market recovery

The ILO's director General, Hong Bo, says the multiple crises could adversely affect the recovery of the labor market.

The 112th International Labour Conference opened Monday in Geneva, Switzerland, Xinhua reported. In his address, Gilbert F. Houngbo said that as the world economy recovers from the pandemic, the global unemployment rate will fall from 5.0 percent in 2023 to 4.9 percent in 2024, but that "subsequent crises" could jeopardize these "positive and encouraging developments." Conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, Sudan and elsewhere have heightened geopolitical risks and posed challenges to humanitarian and multilateralism.

Hong Bo said most occupations will be transformed, rather than simply replaced, by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). If people focus on relevant vocational training and education, AI will become an opportunity rather than a threat.

The International Labour Conference, which runs until June 14, will bring together delegates from the ILO's 187 member countries to focus on issues such as biohazard prevention, decent work and the care economy.

The International Labour Conference is the highest body of the International Labour Organization and meets annually in Geneva in May and June. Established in 1919, the ILO is a tripartite organization of government, employer and labor representatives whose main objectives are to promote full employment and labor-management cooperation, improve working conditions, expand social security, guarantee workers' rights and safeguard social equity.