Wednesday, 06 November 2024 15:08
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Written by MLVT
Download Files and Photos - Booklet on the Conference - Files and Photos of the Conference - Policy Brief National Labour Economic Conference 2024 Economic and Employment Recovery and the Path to LDC Graduation Venue: Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Phnom Penh Date: 11-12 December, 2024 Introduction In accordance with the Strategic Plan for Employment Development, Social Security, and Vocational Training 2024-2028, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) will organize the annual Labour Economic Conference, which will serve as a flagship event to discuss regional and Cambodia-specific trends, as well as the challenges and solutions needed to enhance Cambodia’s labour market in the context of changing economic structures. The Labour Economic Conference 2024, themed "Economic and Employment Recovery and the Path to LDC Graduation," will convene experts, policymakers, private sector representatives, union members, and regional researchers to explore labour market trends, social security, employment policy, and vocational training both in Cambodia and across the region. Together, participants will address critical issues and policy options needed to leverage opportunities in the labour market as Cambodia prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. As Cambodia anticipates its transition from LDC status, it will face both challenges and opportunities that must be carefully managed to ensure sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Strengthening employment policy and aligning it with evolving economic and labour market demands will be essential for creating quality job opportunities that support workers and businesses alike. Likewise, investment in skill development is crucial for building a workforce that can adapt to the shifting demands of industries and contribute to economic resilience. Expanding skill development programs, especially for youth, women, and marginalized groups, will ensure Cambodia’s workforce is equipped with the competencies needed for both traditional and emerging sectors. Moreover, robust social protection systems and expanded social security coverage are vital to providing a safety net for workers and their families, supporting income stability, and reducing vulnerabilities. Comprehensive social protection measures, including working injury, healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions, are necessary to address risks faced by workers amid economic transitions and reduce poverty. Social security schemes, as fundamental components of labour market institutions, contribute to Cambodia's economic stability by promoting income security, fostering resilience, and enhancing labour market flexibility. Objectives This Labour Economic Conference aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation around these themes to improve labour market outcomes through open dialogue and knowledge sharing. The conference will generate new insights for participants and provide valuable input to policymakers, enabling evidence-based interventions for enhancing Cambodia’s labour market, strengthening employment policy including social protection and advancing skill development as the nation approaches its LDC graduation in the near future. The main objectives are as below: 1. Mobilize experts from various institutions in the employment, social security, and vocational training sectors to share new trends and provide opinion for improving the labour market in Cambodia, as well as to present the implications of Cambodia’s LDC graduation. 2. Share insights and best practices related to technical skills and vocational training among private sector representatives, policymakers, educators, and researchers. 3. Stimulate discussion and provide strategic input to ensure that Cambodia’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the digital age and the evolving economic and social context. 4. Foster partnerships that drive innovation and promote inclusive economic growth and labour market. Agenda The conference will be a one-and-a-half-day event, featuring a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and research paper presentations. Each session will be designed to encourage interaction and engagement among participants. Time Activities 11th December 2024 08:00-08:30 Registration 08:30-10:00 (90mn) Remarks by Alissar Chaker, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (15mn) Remarks by Oktavianto Pasaribu, Deputy Director of Decent Work Support Team of the International Labour Organization (ILO) (15mn) Opening Speech by H.E. Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training (60mn) 10:00-10:30 Coffee Break 10:30-12:00 (90mn) Session 1: Regional Labour Market Dynamics and Economic Policies for Inclusive Job-Rich Growth Presentation (30mn): “Labour Dynamic and Challenges in ASEAN”, by Rashesh Shrestha, Labour Economist at Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) (15mn) “Economic Policies for Inclusive Job-Rich Growth in ASEAN”, by Shandre Mugan Thangavelu, Head of the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University (15mn)Panel Discussion (60mn) Panel Discussion (60mn) E. Kuoch Somean, Secretary of State of Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training Shandre Mugan Thangavelu, Head of the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University Rashesh Shrestha, Labour Economist at Labour Economist at Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Coordinator: H.E. Dr. Oum Chan Mono, Advisor to MLVT 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch Break 13:00 - 14:30 (90mn) Session 2: Strategic Human Capital Development Roadmap for LDC Graduation Preparation Presentation (30mn): “The implications of Cambodia’s LDC graduation on productivity and skills”, by H.E Bronh Sopheana, Secretary-General of General Secretariat of National Council for Minimum Wage, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (15mn) “Potential Socio-Economic Impact of LDC Graduation: Pathways for Human Capital Development”, by Dr. Iván González de Alba, Country Economist of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (15mn) Panel discussion (60mn) E. Bronh Sopheana, Secretary-General of General Secretariat of National Council for Minimum Wage, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training E. Sokhan Darapy, Deputy Director of Cambodia Development Center Oum Sothea, Senior Policy Advisor, Cambodia Australia Partnership for Resilient Economic Development (CAPRED) Dr. Iván González de Alba, Country Economist of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Coordinator: H.E.Dr. Try Sophal, Advisor to MLVT 14:30-15:00 Coffee Break 15:00 - 16:30 (90mn) Session 3: Role of Active Labour Market Policy in Improving Labour Market Outcomes Presentation (30mn): “Active Labour Market Policy in Supporting Job Creation and Employability” by Matsumoto Makiko, Employment Specialist of the ILO (15mn) “Labour Market Institutions Arrangement in Cambodia” by Ky Sereyvuth, Deputy Secretary-General of National Council for Minimum Wage, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (15mn) Panel discussion (60mn) Ky Sereyvuth, Deputy Secretary-General of National Council for Minimum Wage Matsumoto Makiko, Employment Specialist of the ILO Sok Lor, Vice President Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Association (CAMFEBA) Dr. Abla Safir, Senior Economist, World Bank Coordinator: Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP 12th December 2024 08:00-08:30 Registration 8:30 - 10:00 (90mn) Session 4: Skill Development for Building a Competitive Workforce in Cambodia Presentation (30mn): “Labour Market Dynamics in Cambodia: Labour Demand and Supply” by E. Dr. Oum Chan Mono, Advisor to MLVT (15mn) “Skills System Alignment for Just Transitions and LDC Graduation in Cambodia” by Mary Kent, Skills and Employability Specialist of the ILO (15mn) Panel Discussion (60mn) E. Dr. Oum Chan Mono, Advisor to MLVT Mary Kent, Skills and Employability Specialist of the ILO Chhorn Dina, Center Director of Development Economic and Trade, CDRI Mar Sophea, Senior Social Sector Officer, Asian Development Bank Coordinator: H.E. Bun Bopith, Advisor to MLVT 10:00 - 10:15 Session 5: Strengthening Social Security Systems for Improving Labor Market Resilience and Fostering Formalization Presentation (30mn) “Recent Development of National Social Security and Extension Strategies Toward the Introduction of Unemployment Schemes” by E Khun Channarith, Deputy Director General of NSSF of MLVT (15mn) “Formalization and Extension of Social Security Scheme to Achieve Decent Work in Cambodia” by Jie Yu Koh, Programme Manager for Social Protection of the ILO (15mn) Panel Discussion (60mn) E Khun Channarith, Deputy Director General of NSSF of MLVT Jie Yu Koh, Programme Manager for Social Protection of the ILO Kong Athit, President of Cambodia labour Confederation (TBC) Choeurng Theany, Director, Department of Operational Support, General Secretariat for the National Social Protection Council, Ministry of Economy and Finance Coordinator: H.E. Dr. Khem Borin, Advisor to MLVT 11:45-12:00 Summarize the conference and Closing remarks by H.E. Kuoch Somean, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training 12:00 Lunch...