As a lead-up to Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting (LEMM), the 4^th group of Twenty (G20) Employment Working Group (EWG) Meeting will tomorrow (28 July) start discussions on a myriad of labour market issues culminating in the development of a declaration.   

The 4^th G20 EWG meeting will focus on critical themes including youth employment, gender equality in the world of work, social security and platform work as well as addressing inequality and declining labour income share. The discussions comes amidst inescapable transformations and global challenges driven by protectionism and anti-globalisation tendencies.  

The two-day 4^th G20 EWG meeting of technical experts will conclude with a two-day Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting from 30-31 July 2024. The double header gatherings take place at the illustrious Fancourt Hotel and Country Estate.  

The theme of the G20 EWG stream is: “Living and Working in an Unequal World: Ensuring Decent Work and Decent Lives". The EWG theme is aligned to South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability".

It is expected that the gathering will conclude with a LEMM declaration that will have been negotiated by technical experts. The declaration is also expected to build on the Brisbane (2025) to eThekwini Goal (2030) to address gender equality in the workforce.

Both the EWG and LEMM will bring together more than 150 local and international delegates including Labour and Employment Ministers from G20-member countries, invited countries and international organisations.  

The G20 EWG's mandate is to address labour, employment and social issues for strong, sustainable, balanced and job-rich growth for all. 

Founded in 1999 in response to several world financial economic crises, the G20 is a forum for international economic cooperation to coordinate policy aimed at achieving global economic stability and sustainable growth, promote financial regulations, and create a new international financial architecture.

The G20 member countries are -  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, plus the European Union and the African Union.

Media is invited to attend the 4^th G20 EWG meetings and LEMM meetings.

• NB: For media RSVP's to facilitate accreditation, please kindly contact:

Ziphozihle Josefu: 082 308 6306 / ziphozihle.josefu@labour.gov.za or Cebisa Siyobi, at 072 427 6034 / Cebisa.Siyobi@labour.gov.za

For media enquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za  

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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