06 Jul 2022

The Institute for Labour and Employment Studies (ILES) will host the Inaugural Annual Labour Conference on July 7-8 in Gaborone to develop a common understanding on how to adapt to the new normal, post COVID-19 pandemic.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is expected to officially open the conference, which will be held under the theme; Building Back Better Post the COVID-19 Pandemic: Decent Work and Inclusive Social Protection System.

Speaking at a press briefing in Gaborone on Tuesday, ILES chief executive officer, Mr Shandukani Hlabano said the labour conference would congregate industry captains being government, employers and experts in labour and employment matters to discuss job creation, decent work conditions and inclusive digital technologies in the labour market.

The conference will deliberate on social protection systems and wellness programmes that will ensure safe mental health in the workplace post COVID-19.

Mr Hlabano said stakeholders would have an opportunity to share experiences and strategies on new ways of doing business under the new normal that could enhance economic recovery post COVID-19 by introducing inclusive, innovative, resilient and environmentally sustainable technologies.

Furthermore, he said they would also launch employment relations that would build connections for the needs of workers and companies in the labour markets that radically build more efficient and good social protection programmes.

He said such relations would help in pursuing and promoting integrated gender-sensitive employment policy frameworks.

Stakeholders will also discuss measures that would ensure safe mental health workplace environment and reflect on challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as articulate a recovery plan.

The conference, said Mr Hlabano, came at a time when the world had experienced an unprecedented level of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference will attract experts from different industries and sectors, including trade unions, employers, Inter-Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations, academics and students, amongst others. BOPA