In a landmark event aimed at strengthening and highlighting trade unions’ role in development, trade unions affiliated to the ITUC-Asia Pacific and the International Trade Union Confederation – Nepal Affiliates Council (ITUC-NAC) convened in Kathmandu, Nepal on 19-20 May 2024 for a valuable workshop titled "Time for 8, Time to Build Trade Unions' Capacity to Accelerate the SDGs." The event aimed to enhance the role of trade unions in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward, with special focus on the SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Held over two days, the workshop focused on equipping trade unions with the knowledge and tools needed to actively engage in the Agenda 2030 processes. With participation from notable trade union leaders, the event highlighted the critical intersection between labour rights and sustainable development.
The workshop commenced with stirring opening remarks from Jagat Bahadur Simkhada, President of All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), Yogendra Kunwar, President of Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUF), and Binod Shrestha, President of General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT). Their speeches underscored the urgency of integrating trade unions’ voices and recognising trade unions’ critical role in achieving the SDGs and ensuring their involvement in development policies and processes, including the formulation and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Gracing the inaugural session of the workshop, the UN Resident Coordinator of Nepal, Ms Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, delivered a keynote address that set a hopeful tone for the event and emphasised the essential role of trade unions in achieving the SDGs.
“Beyond SDG 8, trade unions are deeply committed to the founding principles of the Agenda 2030. You, in trade unions, have consistently raised your voices to demand that decent living standards be guaranteed through increased public spending and investment, strong social protection, universal health coverage, and access to housing and education. You constantly remind us that tax systems need to be adjusted to ensure fair taxation that lifts the burden off those most vulnerable and places it on the wealthiest, while supporting the ecological transition process,” Singer-Hamdy said.
She concluded her remarks by quoting Asa Philip Randolph, “The essence of the trade union movement is social uplift. The labour movement has been the haven for the dispossessed, the despised, the neglected, the downtrodden, the poor.” On this note, she called on everyone to work together to enhance the capacity of trade unions to accelerate the SDGs and to reach those furthest behind.
The workshop featured a series of panel discussions and presentations addressing the multifaceted ways in which trade unions can engage in SDG processes at national, regional, and global levels. Diverse experiences and strategies were presented by invited speakers.
Aiming to increase the level of engagement of trade unions in SDG processes, the workshop also explored opportunities for trade union advocacy at various spaces, including in the government and the UN.
Ms Anita Paudel, Programme Director at Nepal’s National Planning Commission (NPC), presented the process of coming up with the voluntary national report as well as the progress of Nepal in the implementation of the SDGs. Understanding the role of NPC in the national development planning, trade unions identified opportunities for engagement in the future to advocate for their priorities, including SDG 8.
Meanwhile, Mr Numan Özcan, Country Director of the ILO Office for Nepal, explained the importance of trade union participation in the formulation of the UNSDCF and the Decent Work Country Programme, especially in the context of the UN Reform process and in accelerating the SDGs. He identified opportunities and channels for trade union participation and offered practical advice and strategies to maximise such opportunities and ensure meaningful engagement.
Furthermore, the participants of the workshop learned the perspectives and experiences of CSOs in engaging in SDG processes and possibilities for CSO-trade union collaboration through the presentation of Mr Daya Sagar Shrestha, Executive Director of National Campaign for Sustainable Development – Nepal and focal point of the South Asia Sub-Regional Constituency of the APRCEM.
One of the workshop's key outcomes was the establishment of a direct connection with the UN Resident Coordinator, fostering a new avenue for dialogue and collaboration. Trade unions also built stronger linkages with civil society organizations that are active in the VNR process, potentially leading to enhancing their collective impact and influence on SDG implementation. Trade unions left with a deeper understanding of the SDGs and a greater appreciation of their role as defenders of social justice in the national global development landscape.
The workshop concluded with a resounding commitment from participants to sustain and expand their work on the SDGs. Action plans were made to raise awareness on SDGs and initiate regular dialogues with the UNRC, ILO, National Planning Commission, and Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security on development issues.
Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the ITUC-Asia Pacific said, "This event marked a significant step forward in asserting and upholding trade unions' roles as development actors, promising strengthened collaboration and impactful action towards accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure a more just and sustainable future for all."
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