Marrakech: HE Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, took part on Wednesday in the high-level ministerial session of the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor convened in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco. The conference was attended by senior representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), governments, employers' and workers' organizations, and civil society.
According to Qatar News Agency, the session, titled "Child Labor in a Changing World: Emerging Challenges and Strategic Opportunities to 2030 and Beyond," provided a platform for leaders to examine how climate change, conflict and displacement, demographic shifts, technological advances, and evolving global supply chains are reshaping child labor risks and demanding innovative, integrated policy responses.
Addressing the session, Dr. Al Marri reaffirmed that Qatar is resolutely committed to eliminating all forms of child labor, underpinned by a comprehensive legal framework and robust policy measures that prohibit child employment without exception. He highlighted Qatar's achievement in establishing child-labor-free workplaces, reflecting the country's steadfast dedication to safeguarding children's rights.
Dr. Al Marri outlined Qatar's experience in aligning national legislation with international standards, including ratification of ILO conventions, prohibiting employment of minors under 18 in key sectors, combating human trafficking, and establishing multilingual grievance mechanisms. He emphasized the critical role of investments in inclusive education, social protection, and digital infrastructure to prevent exploitation, strengthen monitoring, and enforce accountability across national and global supply chains.
Education remains central to Qatar's strategy, Dr. Al Marri stressed, underlining that the nation provides high-quality, inclusive education for all children, delivered in safe, adaptive environments that ensure equal opportunities and prevent any child from being left behind. Qatar's commitment extends globally, with initiatives through the Qatar Fund for Development and the Education Above All Foundation supporting family empowerment, social protection, and access to education in developing countries, particularly those affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
In 2024, Qatar implemented over 50 educational projects across 77 countries, directly benefiting approximately 865,000 children and youth, enabling 14.7 million previously out-of-school children to access education, and providing skills development and economic empowerment to millions of young people. Dr. Al Marri concluded by emphasizing Qatar's leadership role on the global stage, calling for strengthened international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and integrated multi-stakeholder strategies to deliver practical, sustainable solutions that place children's rights and dignity at the forefront of policy and action.