Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has confirmed its attendance at the 102nd International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, to be held from June 5 to June 20. 

The conference, attended by 5 000 delegates representing various governments, employers and workers from the ILO’s 185 member States, would provide a platform for the international deliberation and debate of critical global socioeconomic issues.

Among these were sustainable development, decent work and green jobs, as well as employment and social protection in light of the ageing of the world population, which Busa said had potentially significant implications for economic development, labour markets and wellbeing in various development contexts.

“The changing demographic context raises issues of possible shortages in labour supply and skills, productivity and innovation, as well as around the provision of adequate social protection for an increasingly ageing population,” the organisation said in a statement.

It added that the contribution of the South Africa perspective in this discussion would be of particular significance, as the demographic dynamics in emerging markets, such as Africa, were divergent to those of the developed nations.

“For instance, our demographics in terms of population age present both an opportunity and a challenge. The young population in Africa presents great market and innovation opportunities, but the high unemployment level in this particular age category is a huge challenge. We need to find ways in which this challenge can be addressed,” Busa commented.

Other areas of global labour discussion would be the effect of environmental degradation and climate change on enterprises and labour markets, as well as the importance of social dialogue in labour relations.

“South Africa's proven history of successful social dialogue is currently under threat, particularly as it relates to peaceful workplace relations. This conference will provide a good platform to test our social dialogue developments with relevant global developments in this area,” Busa noted.