Amman: The Economic and Social Council (ESC) participated on Monday in an interactive Arab seminar organized by the Arab Labor Organization (ALO) to promote social dialogue as a tool for economic stability and crisis management. The seminar sought to pass recommendations to reinforce social dialogue to preserve civil peace and drive development during economic crises, according to the ESC.
According to Jordan News Agency, during the session, ESC Secretary-General Nazir Awamleh said that structured communication between governments, employers, and workers is no longer optional, labeling it a strategic necessity to protect labor markets, build economic resilience, and balance fiscal stability with social justice. Awamleh noted that rising economic interdependence among Arab states requires expanding social dialogue regionally. He added that the ALO, trade unions, and employers' groups should lead efforts to share expertise, coordinate policies, and protect labor markets.
He also called for finalizing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) to ease the flow of goods and investments, thereby boosting regional food, energy, and medical security. He also recommended establishing joint Arab early-warning mechanisms to help member states better predict and mitigate future global economic shocks.
The event brought together delegates from Arab labor ministries, the Union of Arab Chambers, the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions, the Arab League's Economic and Social Council, and GCC labor and social affairs bodies.