Geneva hosted the 111th Session of the International Labour Conference. Uzbekistan delegation led by the Chairperson of the Senate took part in it.

At the session, workers, employers, and government delegations from 187 countries that are members of the International Labour Organization discussed broad challenges, particularly a just transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy, quality apprenticeship programs, and labor protection.

During the visit, the Chairperson of the Senate Tanzila Narbayeva held several bilateral meetings. At a meeting with the ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, the current state and prospects of relations between Uzbekistan and the ILO were considered. Issues of enhancing the scope of cooperation, including the systemic introduction of decent working conditions in Uzbekistan, were discussed.

At the meeting, it was noted that as a result of practical cooperation with this organization, the labor relations system has strengthened in recent years, and ten high indicators have been achieved in the sphere.

A detailed exchange of views took place on creating the ILO Coalition for Social Justice, including Uzbekistan as one of the first in the European and Central Asian continents to its members.

Focusing on the cooperation of Uzbekistan with the ILO, the Chairperson of the Senate noted that Uzbekistan will always strictly follow international labor standards. These issues are a priority area of state policy. Further systemic strengthening of cooperation with the ILO through implementing new joint projects and programs is important for Uzbekistan.

In turn, Mr. Houngbo noted that he was well aware of the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan, and he highly appreciated the determination and will of Uzbekistan to build a socially oriented state.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached on further strengthening cooperation to implement long-term plans for labor relations and intensify joint projects.

At the meeting with the Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, issues of bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level were discussed. In particular, attention was focused on the continuation of projects for further active participation of Uzbekistan in this structure.

Following the talks, an agreement was reached with the International Social Security Association on implementing promising projects and programs for the active and comprehensive development of social protection of the population.

At the same time, Mrs. Narbayeva held talks with the Director of the Bureau for Workers' Activities at ILO, Ms. Maria Helena André.

At the meeting, attention was paid to introducing the principles of decent work and social protection, combating informal employment, providing a basic income for the population needing social security, and raising international standards in labor and the people’s social safety.

Norgul Abduraimova, UzA