Social protection is a pillar of Egypt’s vision for comprehensive development and social justice, Minister of Labour Hassan Raddad said.
People are “at the heart of development”, and economic growth must translate into decent jobs, social protection and improved living standards, he added.
Raddad made the remarks in Egypt’s address on Monday at the 52nd session of the Arab Labour Conference (ALC), held in Cairo from 13 to 20 September with the participation of representatives from 21 Arab countries.
The ALC is being held amid complex economic, social and geopolitical conditions, including disrupted supply chains and rising energy, transport and insurance costs.
These challenges, he noted, make Arab co-operation essential.
Raddad called for stronger Arab co-operation in training, employment, investment, the exchange of expertise, capital flows and labour mobility, as well as greater openness in Arab labour markets to skilled workers.
He highlighted Egypt’s economic and social reform programme, which aims to strengthen growth, attract investment and expand social protection while improving infrastructure, digital services and the business environment.
The minister said legislation is a key tool for balancing workers’ rights and investment, noting that Egypt’s new Labour Law addresses emerging forms of work, digital transformation and job security while strengthening workers’ rights and obligations.
He also highlighted Egypt’s National Employment Strategy and ongoing preparations for a national occupational safety and health strategy, stressing that protecting workers and ensuring safe workplaces support productivity and serve employers’ interests.
Raddad said Egypt’s unemployment rate has fallen to 5.8 per cent, from more than 13 per cent in 2013, attributing the decline to major national projects, an improved investment climate and expanded employment-oriented training.
He also highlighted programmes supporting informal workers, people with disabilities, women and young people, as well as the Emergency Workers’ Aid Fund, which helps preserve jobs during exceptional circumstances.
Addressing developments in Palestine, Raddad reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians and stressed the need for a just and comprehensive peace based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He concluded by calling for Arab co-operation to link investment with employment, growth with social justice, and development with greater security and stability.
