On September 28 2020, CCIG participated in a virtual event which was an ILO initiative in partnership with the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss the key contribution of employment and decent work to peacebuilding, social cohesion and social justice, in particular in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

As organizers, Mr Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr Oscar Fernández-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for UN Peacebuilding Support Office, H.E. Mr Félix Baumann, Deputy Permanent representative of Switzerland to the United Nations and the other international organisations in Geneva and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Conference on Disarmament welcomed the participants and presented the aims of the discussion.

The six panelists represented states and other intergovernmental institutions like the G5 Sahel and Republic of Ethiopia, Colombia and international civil organizations from Iraq, Somalia, and Lesotho. They showcased good practices and presented current challenges that they are facing. Ms. Renée Larivière, Senior Director of Programmes at INTERPEACE moderated the discussion and exchange.

The discussants were in unison in affirming that more than ever, there is a need to work on inclusivity, dialogue and partnership with as many actors and stakeholders in the effort of seeking for effective responses and solutions. Second, they underlined that employment(work) is one of the most effective ways to address humanitarian emergencies and start on the path to peaceful and sustainable development. For more information, please check this link.