The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) participated in the 21^st International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), commenced on 11 October 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Atilla KARAMAN, Director of Statistics and Information Department of SESRIC, represented the Centre thereat. The 21^st ICLS coincides with the celebration of a century of dedicated work in setting international labor statistical standards.

The opening session of the 21^st ICLS commenced with the welcoming remarks of the Deputy Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms. Celeste DRAKE. In her opening address, the ILO Deputy Director General stressed the critical need for sound, reliable and comparable labor statistics. She stated that policymakers and citizens require quality data more than ever to track changes and monitor progress on social justice issues. Measuring advancement in universal rights, equal opportunities, fair distribution and just transitions will be key, she added. This data is crucial for advancing social justice through the lens of decent work - a core mandate of the ILO. Ms. DRAKE also underscored the Conference's importance in setting international standards that ensure robust statistical information is available to stakeholders.

In the Opening Session, the Conference elected Mr. Anil Arora, Chief Statistician of Canada, as Chairperson, and Ms. Grace Bediako, Chair, Ghana Statistical Service Governing Board, as Vice-Chairperson. Mr Boon Heng Ang, Director, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore, was elected as Reporter, and Ms. Graciela Márquez Colín, President, National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico was elected as Chairperson of the Committee on Informal Economy of the 21^st ICLS.

The Opening Session then was followed by a side event titled “Celebrating 100 Years of the ICLS”. The side event featured an historian who covered the Conference’s rich legacy. In addition, panellists who attended past conferences, offered unique insights into the evolution the Conference.

The first day of the Conference went on with the discussions on two reports: the General Report and the Report on Statistics for the Informal Economy. These discussions, attended by statisticians, government representatives, employers, and unions, play an instrumental role in establishing statistical guidelines that ensure the availability of high-quality labor market insights. The insights generated from the 21ICLS serve as an invaluable resource for policymakers and the general public, shaping policies, and decisions that impact labor markets on a global scale.

Hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this flagship conference is convened every five years, uniting a global community dedicated to the advancement of labor statistics. Together, they strive to empower nations with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed, equitable, and just decisions that shape the future of work and social progress.

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