Under the auspices of the SOLiD II project and with the generous support of the European Commission, the Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC), in collaboration with BUSINESSMED and ANND, recently convened a multilateral meeting in Amman, Jordan. The event, which unfolded on the 16th and 17th of May 2023, focused on the theme of “Integrating the Charter on Promoting Social Dialogue in National Plans Established in Targeted Countries.” The primary aim was to deliberate on recommendations and proposals put forth by social partners concerning various aspects of the project charter.
The diverse array of attendees included experts, key stakeholders, government representatives, and local authorities from Jordan. A structured dialogue unfolded, centering on the modalities of implementing national action plans. This engaging discourse featured the active participation of European mission representatives, economic and social councils, and other pertinent stakeholders.
The agenda included a diverse range of subjects, starting with a thorough examination of the current status of national dialogue in Jordan. Subsequent sessions highlighted the progress made in formulating the SOLiD 2 charter. Workshops delved into multifaceted subjects such as the economic and trade policies of Arab countries post the Covid-19 pandemic, the informal economy, employment policies, and strategies for reducing unemployment in Arab nations. Further discussions took place in dedicated workshops addressing migrant workers’ rights, gender equality, education policies, vocational and technical training, social protection in the southern Mediterranean, and a conclusive workshop on climate justice.
The meeting culminated with a thoughtful discussion and the presentation of proposals stemming from the workshops. It was affirmed that ongoing meetings would be orchestrated within the SOLID project framework, continuing to facilitate comprehensive dialogues through the organization of workshops and seminars. This approach aims to empower a significant percentage of Arab societies by actively involving them in dialogues that address pertinent social issues. Emphasis will be placed on their pivotal role in decision-making processes and the articulation of priorities that directly or indirectly impact them. The overarching goal is to achieve tangible progress in fortifying social dialogue practices and institutions, ensuring the effective and sustainable implementation of reforms.