Geneva:The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has unanimously adopted a decision on an enhanced development cooperation programme for the occupied Palestinian Territory during its 358th Session. This decision was made with the presence of a tripartite Palestinian delegation, including Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi, Secretary-General Shaher Saed, and President Abdo Idris. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and other representatives also attended the session.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency, the decision follows a review of the implementation results of the third Decent Work Programme for the occupied Palestinian Territory (2023-2025) and marks the transition to the Decent Work and Recovery Programme for 2026-2029. This transition aims to strengthen the rights of Palestinian workers, protect their livelihoods, and support employment opportunities, social protection, and economic recovery.
During the session, Ambassador Khraishi expressed gratitude to the ILO for its ongoing support and welcomed the transition to the new programme. Shaher Saed highlighted the significant job losses and economic challenges facing Palestinian workers, calling for continued protection and restoration of employment opportunities.
Several countries and regional groups, including the Arab Group, African Group, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reiterated their support for Palestinian workers' rights and called for sustainable funding to promote employment and social protection. Nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil emphasized the importance of linking relief efforts to reconstruction and supporting Palestinian economic resilience.
The session also featured interventions from various representatives, including Catelene Passchier from the Workers' Group, who called for resource mobilization to implement the programme, and Matthias Thorns from the Employers' Group, who stressed the need to restore productive capacities and support women's participation in the labor market.
ILO representatives affirmed that the next phase will concentrate on promoting economic recovery, protecting working conditions, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, translating international commitments into tangible job opportunities for the Palestinian people.
