The G20 Summit, under Saudi presidency this year, is seeking to coordinate efforts for implementing effective measures that soften the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic on labor markets.
G20 ministerial meetings and workshops have finalized a host of proposals that underpin policies centered on generating jobs especially during the pandemic.
“The meetings have discussed the impacts of Covid-19 on the labor markets and the need to develop and implement efficient and comprehensive measures to mitigate the impacts on our societies and local and international market labors,” confirmed the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi.
The G20’s Employment Working Group (EWG), in its latest meeting, focused on enhancing economic recovery of labor markets under Covid-19.
In remarks to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Rajhi pointed out that the upcoming G20 summit, scheduled for Riyadh on November 21-22, is expected to approve the final statement and priority policies of the EWG, which was keen to address youth employment issues, means of adapting social systems and the application of behavioral approaches in policy-making.
In the spirit of solidarity to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on labor markets and societies, work and coordination will continue among state ministers to enhance focus on the post-pandemic economic recovery process, Al-Rajhi affirmed.
He added that the L20 Workers Communication Group in the G20 represents the voice of workers, where the protection and safety of workers was among its priorities.
The L20 Workers Communication Group summit stressed the commitment of the Kingdom to preserve the accomplishments achieved during the previous presidencies, he said, and achieve significant progress in empowering women and youth and increasing their participation in the labor market.
Saudi Arabia has also focused on addressing the challenges of women's empowerment through initiatives targeting less-favored groups, and taking measures that served the interests of women and youth by supporting initiatives such as “Enabling and Supporting the Economic Representation of Women.”
Al-Rajhi shed light on the measures elaborated in the final statement of the G20 labor ministers: Supporting employees and entrepreneurs during this period, ensuring the support of workers, families, facilities and societies to recover and thrive in an inclusive and equitable manner, improving the conditions of vulnerable groups and making sure the recovery process does not exacerbate injustices and gender inequalities.
