Togo’s Houngbo shares his vision for the future of work

Two Africans, Gilbert Houngbo, the former Prime Minister of Togo and the current President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, are among the five candidates vying for the prestigious position of Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO). As the public dialogues with the candidates loom on the horizon, Houngbo shared his ambitious vision for the future of work in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Houngbo emphasized the critical importance of social justice and labor standards in shaping the next five to ten years of global workforce dynamics. 'The social agenda and the world of work are at a crossroads, and decisions made in the coming years will have a lasting impact,' he expressed. The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the fragility and inequalities within the workforce, especially for small businesses and vulnerable workers. Houngbo stressed the need to prioritize social justice and environmental sustainability as the core pillars of his vision for the ILO. Amidst the global trend of de-globalization, Houngbo called for a revival of dynamic multilateralism to address growing inequalities and uphold workers' rights. He highlighted the pivotal role of the ILO in championing social protections and fostering just transitions to greener economies post-pandemic. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis, Houngbo urged for the universalization of social protection schemes to safeguard workers' well-being and resilience. He expressed particular concern for women and girls in rural areas, calling for enhanced support to alleviate their financial hardships. Emphasizing the nexus between environmental sustainability and technological innovation, Houngbo outlined his vision for a zero-carbon future with a focus on just transitions for workers. He proposed collaboration with global financial institutions to create employment insurance schemes for workers at risk of job loss due to economic transformations. Recognizing the opportunities and challenges posed by the gig economy, Houngbo emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks to protect workers' rights and address environmental hazards arising from technological disposals. Looking ahead, Houngbo underscored the imperative for skill development and upskilling initiatives to equip workers for the evolving landscape of job opportunities. His comprehensive approach to the future of work envisions a harmonious integration of economic, environmental, and social aspects to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.