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3 things you need to know about the event
04 May 2022
3 things you need to know about the event
Stories
The 5th Global Conference is happening from 15 to 20 May 2022. Why does it matter?
For the first time, an African country will host the event. The hybrid modality means that you can participate from anywhere in the world. And, most importantly, we have to act now - before it's too late for millions of kids.
Read on to learn more.
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1. The location is significant.
For the first time, an African country will host the Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour. It will be held in Durban, South Africa. Previous conferences were held in Buenos Aires (2017), Brasilia (2013), The Hague (2010) and Oslo (1997). Cyril Ramaphosa, the former labour activist and current president of South Africa, welcomed the idea of hosting the first child labour conference on the continent.
The event will take place in the International Convention Centre (ICC), a world-class facility in the heart of the city. It has a track record of hosting projects that boost the welfare of children, including those of local partners such as the Early Childhood Development Centre, the Reach for a Dream Foundation, and the Santa Shoebox Project.
It also marks a shift toward Africa on the global stage. Last year, the African Union and the ILO jointly launched the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour during a three-hour virutal event. The African Union Agenda 2063 and SDG target 8.7 are closely aligned on the importance of eliminating child labour.
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2. Innovation is key.
The hybrid modality of the 5th Global Conference for the Elimination of Child Labour means that participants can follow along either online or in person.
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In Durban, Thembelani Thulas Nxesi, the Minister of Employment and Labour; Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa; António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General and many more will be present to launch the conference.
From there, representatives from governments, trade unions, the private sector, civil society, regional and international organizations, think tanks, academia, and youth and children from all over the world will be hosting plenaries, presentations, and side events. There will also be an innovative fair with hands-on opportunities for learning and understanding.
While only invited Delegates will be traveling to Durban, there will be unprecedented opportunities to listen and share from anywhere in the world. In fact, some side events and presentations will be 100% virtual.
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3. Time is running out.
SDG Target 8.7 aims to eliminate child labour by 2025.
Only through joining forces, sharing knowledge and coordinating actions will it be possible to achieve the extremely ambitious Target 8.7. There are still more than 160 million children in child labour today.
That’s why conference attendees will discuss critical issues and share positive solutions to help end child labour. Agenda items include high-level panels with Nobel Peace Laureates, conversations with children to understand their unique perspectives, and thematic meetings on topics such as education, agriculture, social protection, youth employment, climate change, supply chains, vulnerabilities, and financing.
At the end of the event, Delegates will adopt an outcome document with a concrete plan to accelerate progress.
Join us!
The 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour will take place in Durban, South Africa and online at 5thglobalconf.org from 15 to 20 May 2022.
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