11th ILO African regional meetings: statement by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN under-secretary-general and executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

Statement by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the 11th ILO African Regional Meeting. Mr. Janneh, on his remarks highlighted that; equally important in achieving the decent work agenda is the structural transformation and diversification of African economies into high growth and employment intensive sectors. Diversification is needed to deepen production structures and transform African economies so that they can create opportunities for decent work. The brain drain of skilled workers from Africa may undercut efforts at skills development but countries could derive compensating benefits from the potential contribution of international remittances, inward investment and transfer of technology by Africans in Diaspora. The action required at national and regional levels to implement the decent work agenda, it is also important to address key concerns at the international level. As the Report of the World Commission on the Social Dimensions of Globalization reminds us, a fairer globalization is also necessary for the success of the decent work agenda.