Windhoek: Delegates from the African Union, policy experts, and government ministers convened in Windhoek on Monday for the Sixth Ordinary Session of the AU Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment. Running from 27 to 31 July, the high-level summit aims to redefine strategies for expanding social safety nets, protecting vulnerable populations, and developing resilient labour markets across Africa.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the conference is structured into two phases. The first phase, from 27 to 29 July, involves an experts' meeting with technical specialists, senior government representatives, and leaders from labour and employer organisations. They will evaluate regional social security data, audit policy progress, and draft actionable recommendations.

The ministerial session will take place on Thursday and Friday, where AU ministers responsible for labour, employment, and social development will review, refine, and formally adopt the action plans and resolutions developed during the experts' discussions.

The meeting will also focus on establishing mechanisms to extend social security, healthcare access, and financial protections to workers in the informal economy, rural communities, and those vulnerable to climate shocks. This includes designing formal job creation strategies, enhancing cross-border labour mobility, and addressing widespread youth unemployment.

Additionally, the meeting aims to strengthen child protection systems, promote workplace gender equity, improve disability access, and develop policy responses to Africa's ageing demographics.

Source: Namibia Press Agency