Egypt elected chairman of Arab Labor Organization's Board of Directors for 1st time in 20 years

CAIRO – 3 October 2024: Egypt was elected as the President of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) for the 101st session extending to October 2025, taking this position for the first time in 20 years.

The election took place on the sidelines of the organization's board meeting in Cairo on Thursday, in the presence of Minister of Labor Mohamed Gobran who has been elected to the position as a representative of Egypt, and Arab Labour Organization Director-General Fayez Al Mutairi.

The meeting discussed various topics including a report on the conditions of the workers and people in the occupied Palestinian territories and also reviewed the implementation of decisions from the 100th session of the ALO Board of Directors.

In his speech before the session, Gobran welcomed the participating delegations, reaffirming the necessity for Arab countries to stand united in light of the recent threatening statements by the Israeli prime minister that there is nowhere in the Middle East beyond Israel's reach, read a release by the ALO.

He emphasized that the Arab nations will not cease to assist the Arab peoples in the affected countries, stating: "As we are on the verge of celebrating the glorious October victory, this triumph sends a message that the Arab world is capable of defending its rights."

Gobran expressed his appreciation for Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labor of Qatar, for his wise chairmanship of the 99th and 100th ALO board sessions, and extended sincere thanks to Al Mutairi, for his efforts in enhancing the organization's national role.

In his speech, Gobran affirmed that the political, economic, and social challenges facing some of the Arab countries necessitate the strengthening of social dialogue and Arab cooperation to combat unemployment and achieve social justice.

He emphasized that supporting the Palestinian cause and Palestinian workers and people in the face of the Israeli occupation remain as the Arabs’ central cause.

He also reiterated support for Lebanon against Israeli aggressions, calling for deterrent international measures.

Gobran expressed hopes that the ALO Board of Directors’ meeting will achieve success for the greater good and stability of Arab countries.