Qatari Minister of Labour, Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, will chair the 111th session of the International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva from 5 to 16 June 2023.
More than 5,000 people from around the world will attend the international conference, including representatives of workers, employers, and governments from the 187 ILO member states.
The proceedings of the conference will cover a wide range of topics, including the just transition to sustainable and inclusive economies, quality apprenticeships, and worker protection.
In its 111th session, the International Labour Conference will adopt the logistical details for the conference and establish committees. This includes the delivery of opening speeches by the President of the Conference, representatives from the employers’ group, heads of workers’ groups, and the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation. Additionally, the Chairman of the Board of Directors will present a report during the conference.
Reform Efforts Recognised as Al Marri Chairs Labour Conference
Observers highlighted Minister Al Marri’s assumption of the conference presidency after being elected vice-president of the Conference last year, as it represents the culmination of Qatar’s reform efforts in the field of workers’ rights.
According to observers, Qatar’s notable progress in the field of workers’ rights and the improvement of its laws and regulations over the years have placed it in the fore and instilled trust in its ability to lead the world’s most important labour conference.
Qatar appointed Al Marri as Minister of Labour on 19 October 2021. Before taking on the ministerial portfolio, he served as Chairman of the country’s National Human Rights Committee since 2009.
Qatar’s Minister of Labour: A Global Champion for Human Rights
Al Marri is a global human rights figure who garners universal respect, as evidenced by his active participation in international conferences. He also has extensive experience in international work related to the protection and promotion of human rights at local and international levels.
During his tenure as Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, he was instrumental in Qatar’s accession to several human rights conventions, protocols, and covenants.
Al Marri was responsible for numerous beneficial initiatives, including the establishment of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, which enriched the Arab human rights field, and the establishment of the West Asia office of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions.
Given his accomplishments, Al Marri faced defamation and incitement campaigns, including during the attack on Qatar during its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He did, however, continue to gain international respect, eventually reaching the presidency of the International Labour Conference at its next session.
