Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, Dr. Maryam Maria, has stated that the Decent Work Country Programme launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the Maldives will play a critical role in advancing the government’s national employment policies.
Speaking at the ceremony held to launch the programme, Minister Maria emphasised that the ILO’s programme would significantly contribute to achieving the government’s objectives in the labour sector. She noted that the programme is closely aligned with the Maldives' ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and enhance employment opportunities across the nation.
Minister Maria also pointed to the recent approval of two key pieces of legislation: the Industrial Relations Act and the Workplace Safety and Health Protection Act. She explained that these new laws would facilitate more meaningful dialogue between employer and employee organizations, creating a framework for both parties to voice their concerns and collaborate in addressing workplace challenges.
The event was attended by Johnny Simpson, ILO’s Country Director for Bangladesh and the Maldives, who welcomed the introduction of the Decent Work Programme in the Maldives. He commended the country’s recent inclusion in the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an initiative that he believes will further strengthen the Maldives' commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ILO’s Decent Work Programme is designed to strengthen labour markets at the national level, safeguard workers' rights, and foster improved relations between employers and employees. By providing a framework for addressing workplace challenges, the programme aims to promote fair, inclusive, and sustainable employment practices across the Maldives.