The 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), starts on Tuesday in Singapore, with the theme “Integrated policy agenda for a human-centered recovery that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient” with an aim to revamp Strong and effective gender-responsive policies and institutions of work in the Asia-Pacific region.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo advocated for the tripartite system and social dialogue to be strengthened in his report on the subject in order to solve concerns with employment in the region. Additionally, Mr. Houngbo advocated for robust and effective institutions of work that are focused on a human-centered recovery following the pandemic and the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In order to achieve reasonable job-rich growth, universal social protection, respect for workers’ rights, and inclusive social discussion, he urged countries in the region to expand investments in social justice.

Rameswar Teli, the minister of state for labour, and Secretary Arti Ahuja will represent India, while Hiranmay Pandya, the president of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), will represent workers, and Alok Bansidhar, the representative of employers, will represent the FICCI.

Ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) from India complained in a letter to Mr. Houngbo that the Indian government had refused to let them attend the meeting. In their protest, they said that the Indian government had not only disregarded their request but had also made it easier for one union, which was close to the administration, to participate.

According to Houngbo, governments and social partners must seize the chance to work together and direct investments toward a human-centered recovery, while “gradually addressing the longer-term structural hurdles to decent work and inclusive prosperity.”