ITUC Secretary-General applauds Ethiopia’s advancing reforms and emerging geopolitical role

Addis Ababa, December 2, 2025 (FMC) – ITUC Secretary-General Luc Triangle has praised Ethiopia for its ongoing political, economic, and social reforms, highlighting the country’s growing role on the global stage and its commitment to workers’ rights and social dialogue.

The ITUC opened its 37th General Assembly Meeting in Addis Ababa today, marking the first time the gathering is being held on African soil.

Addressing delegates, Triangle said convening the Assembly in Ethiopia carried “symbolic and political significance,” noting the country’s decade-long economic expansion, poverty reduction, and improvements in health and education.

He said Ethiopia’s recent wage increase for public sector workers had “sent a powerful signal” internationally about the government’s confidence in social dialogue and commitment to social justice.

Triangle added that Ethiopia’s reforms in labour rights and its strengthened cooperation with trade unions were widely recognized. “For the global trade union movement, it is encouraging to witness this,” he said, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s progress gives hope that private sector workers will also benefit from improved wages and protections.

He further highlighted Ethiopia’s geopolitical importance as host of the African Union and a hub of diplomacy. “At a time when the world is increasingly polarized, Ethiopia can play a leadership role on the African continent and at the global level,” Triangle said.

He reaffirmed the ITUC’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia in advancing human rights, democratic values and decent work.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Adem Farah, Head of the Coordination Center for Democracy Building with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister and Vice President of the Prosperity Party, reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to workers’ rights, social dialogue, and democratic reforms.

He said Ethiopia’s political and economic reform agenda since 2018 has been anchored in inclusive governance, expanded civic freedoms, strengthened labour institutions, and greater investment in youth and women.

He underscored the role of the Tripartite Advisory Board, established with CETU and regional governments, in promoting stable employer–employee relations and stronger labour standards.

Mr. Adem noted that Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms — including private sector development, industrialization, and job creation — are complemented by the country’s climate-resilient development strategy.

He called the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam a national symbol of a green and prosperous future, contributing to energy security, investment attraction, and regional cooperation.

He stressed that workers’ unions are essential partners in Ethiopia’s reform journey, not obstacles. “Workers’ organizations are foundational contributors to building a fair society, a dynamic economy and a peaceful nation,” he said, urging strengthened tripartite engagement grounded in trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.

Mr. Adem affirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, modernizing labour administration, promoting equality, and building an inclusive economy. He also commended ITUC for its global leadership and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the international labour movement.

The 37th ITUC General Assembly Meeting brings together trade union leaders from across the world and will deliberate on inequality, global insecurity, climate challenges, and the future of decent work in an era of technological and economic shifts.