The
International Labour Organization and the Digital Cooperation Organization have
launched a landmark collaboration to ensure the digital economy generates
quality jobs while protecting vulnerable workers. This strategic alliance
brings together the ILO's century of labor expertise with the DCO's digital
policy leadership across 16 member nations representing 800 million people and
a $3.5 trillion economic bloc.
At the heart of
the partnership lies a shared conviction that technological progress must
actively reduce inequality rather than exacerbate it. With 70% of the DCO's
combined population under age 35 and automation transforming workplaces
globally, the initiative prioritizes digital skills training for youth, women
and underserved communities. The collaboration will develop workforce
transition programs, conduct policy research, and facilitate dialogue between
governments, tech firms and worker representatives.
DCO Director
General Hajar El Haddaoui framed the partnership as essential for building "digital
economies that work for people, not just platforms." ILO Deputy
Director-General Celeste Drake emphasized their joint commitment to ensuring
technological change translates into decent work opportunities rather than
displacement.
The timing
proves critical as artificial intelligence reshapes labor markets worldwide.
Recent ILO research suggests nearly a quarter of global jobs could face
significant automation impacts. Meanwhile, the DCO's member states spanning
Africa, Asia and the Middle East represent some of the world's fastest-growing
digital economies with unique opportunities to implement inclusive policies
from the ground up.
Through this
partnership, both organizations aim to demonstrate how intentional policy
design can harness technology to create more equitable economic systems.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
