NEMANI APPOINTED TO INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION EXPERT COMMITTEE ON DECENT WORK IN RECYCLING

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations announced that Permanent Secretary Maritino Nemani has been appointed as a Government Expert to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee of Experts to review the first-ever policy guidelines on decent work in recycling.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for Fiji's international engagement, as this is the first such appointment after more than two decades, signalling the international community's recognition of Fiji's expertise in labour standards and workplace relations.

PS Nemani is participating alongside experts from 24 countries including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, and Poland. The meeting in Geneva, Switzerland from May 5–9, 2025 will bring together eight Government experts, eight Employers' experts, and eight Workers' experts nominated by the respective groups of the ILO Governing Body.

"This appointment reflects the positive reengagement between the ILO and Fiji's Coalition Government after a lapse of 16 years," said PS Nemani. "It demonstrates the ILO's faith in the progress our government has made on labour standards compliance and conventions ratified by Fiji," said Nemani.

The appointment represents a significant elevation of the Ministry's profile within Fiji, highlighting its growing importance in shaping national labour policies and its recognition on the international stage.

The Coalition Government views this as validation of its commitment to respecting both workers' and employers' rights, and its ongoing labour reforms.

The upcoming policy guidelines will address critical areas including promoting sustainable employment, respecting fundamental labour rights, enhancing social protection, and fostering social dialogue in the recycling sector – all aligned with the four strategic objectives of the ILO's Decent Work Agenda.

"The Coalition Government recognizes the importance of tripartite collaboration in the review and improvement of labour laws and policies," added PS Nemani. "This international recognition reinforces our commitment to freedom of association and coordinated approaches to sustainable labour practices."

This appointment cements Fiji's renewed prominence in international labor standards and positions the nation as a leading voice in the Pacific for sustainable employment practices and workers' rights.