Govt holding National Labor and Employment Conference next week

KATHMANDU: The government is organizing a two-day National Labor and Employment Conference with the slogan ‘Expanding Production and Productivity: A Sustainable Foundation for Domestic Employment’ in Kathmandu on March 10-11.

The main objective of the conference is to foster coordination and collaboration among various levels and entities to support the strategic action plan for the Decade of Domestic Employment Promotion, aimed at enhancing production and productivity, Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, said in a press meet on Friday. “The conference aims to explore the potential for domestic employment and collect suggestions for its overall management. We need to identify what types of jobs are required within the country and the skills needed for them,” Bhandari said. “The ministry has prioritized increasing production and providing employment opportunities based on entrepreneurship.” Minister Bhandari said.

Highlighting the lack of skills as a key reason for unemployment, Minister Bhandari said it would be challenging to reduce dependency on foreign employment unless domestic employment opportunities and their management are strengthened. “Domestic employment is the only alternative to foreign employment. This conference will send a message that positive changes are possible, breaking the negative mindset prevalent in Nepali society,” he added.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the conference.

The ministry believes the conference will provide valuable suggestions for policy and legal reforms to create a conducive environment for labor and employment. According to the ministry, recommendations from the conference will be incorporated into the upcoming Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Domestic Employment Promotion.

Around 500 participants, including representatives from all three levels of government, the private sector, trade unions, labor and employment professionals, researchers, development partners, non-governmental organizations and youth, are expected to attend the conference.