Amman, Sept. 28 (Petra) - President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) Khaled Fanatsah said that decent work and social protection are the foundation of fair and sustainable development, stressing the importance of joint efforts, stronger tripartite partnership between production stakeholders, and inclusive policies that address the needs of society’s most vulnerable groups.

Speaking at a workshop organized Sunday by the International Labor Organization (ILO) under the title "Promoting Decent Work in Jordan’s National Public Works Program," attended by Executive Board Member Bushra Salman, government entities, international organizations, and representatives from the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Fanatsah highlighted Jordan’s long-standing labor market challenges, including high unemployment rates, especially among youth and women, and the economic and social pressures of hosting large numbers of refugees.

He stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure and social services to ensure social protection and keep pace with regional and global changes, commending the ILO’s continued support for the Public Works Program and the cooperation of national and international institutions in promoting sustainable development and supporting Jordan’s economy in line with Royal directives.

Fanatsah expressed hope for reaching a national consensus among all partners to chart a clear roadmap for the program’s success, noting its role in creating temporary jobs, supporting local communities, and strengthening resilience in times of crisis. He underscored the need to build on achievements to make the program more sustainable, impactful, and closely aligned with national strategies.

The workshop discussed several themes, including strategic objectives and alignment, program design considerations, experiences of partner UN agencies, and the development of a roadmap for the program’s next phase.

//Petra// AO