**NUKUʻALOFA, Tonga (ILO News) - Tonga's inaugural National Employment Policy is progressing with the aid of the International Labour Organization (ILO).**
This landmark policy, designed to guide Tonga's employment landscape, has advanced significantly following a recent two-day workshop aimed at enhancing policy development skills among stakeholders.
Held in Nuku'alofa on May 8-9, 2024, the workshop convened around 40 representatives from government agencies, trade unions, labor and employer organizations, civil society, and academia.
Participants engaged in discussions on creating and implementing a comprehensive policy framework and a practical action plan. Key topics included the use of labor market data for informed decision-making, strategies to support skills training, workplace rights, fair wages, and the inclusion of marginalized groups. The workshop also examined best practices from global and regional perspectives.
Kolotia Fotu, Deputy CEO of the Labour Division at the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, emphasized the workshop's collaborative nature. "This workshop brings together government ministries, social partners, and other key stakeholders to share ideas and discuss how best to formulate a national employment policy for Tonga that reflects our unique labor market and development needs, promoting inclusive economic diversification and resilience," Fotu said.
Christian Viegelahn, ILO Employment Specialist, underscored the policy's significance. "This policy will help generate quality employment opportunities and enhance the ability of workers and businesses to withstand future crises. It will also support Tonga in leveraging trends such as digitization and eco-friendliness while navigating the impacts of climate change," Viegelahn noted.
Tonga, like other Pacific Island nations, has faced economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 volcanic eruptions. These events have affected employment rates and influenced industry focus, skill requirements, and working conditions.
"This workshop marks a significant step towards shaping Tonga's employment future. The insights gained will be crucial in developing a forward-looking policy that addresses current challenges and lays the foundation for sustainable growth and development," Viegelahn added.
The initiative is supported by the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga, and funded by the Joint SDG Fund through the joint program on advancing the SDGs by improving livelihoods and resilience through economic diversification and digital transformation in five Pacific Island Countries.
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