ILO votes UAE as member of board

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has voted the UAE to as a member of the organisation's board of directors for West Asian countries during the 100th ILO Conference in Geneva. The move comes in recognition of the UAE's efforts and role in regulating the labour markets and protecting labours' rights. Khalifa Khamis Mattar Al Kaabi, a member of the UAE delegation to the ILO conference, was also re-elected for the fourth time as a member of the board to represent employers in west Asian countries. Al Kaabi expressed his happiness for being re-elected as a representative of west Asian country employers. He said that his re-election is due to the UAE's distinguished status in enhancing the private sector's role, and recognising the sector's achievements in the economic development process. Article continues below In a statement, Mubarak Saaed Al Daheri, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, expressed the ministry's keenness to boost the UAE's reputation and standing internationally by representing the UAE in international conferences and participating in the discussion of issues. He also pointed out that the ILO's board of directors represents the organization's highest authority, which is responsible for preparing strategies and policies, as well as topics that will be discussed during the ILO's annual conferences. He said that voting UAE into the organisation's board is an opportunity for the country to highlight their initiatives in labour market regulation and its fruitful efforts in protecting the rights of the working parties. Al Daheri said that the board is also responsible for suggesting and specifying the topics and standards for international conventions, and develops programmes and initiatives that strive to implement the principles of such conventions. He said that the ministry will provide to the board opinions and proposals that reflect the UAE government's efforts in regulating the labour market and to reaffirms the nation's standing in various international events.