MBABANE- Eswatini has urged nations to ensure artificial intelligence advances social justice and decent work while safeguarding workers’ rights and dignity.
Speaking during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva on Monday, Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi said technological innovation must remain people-centred and aligned with the principles of social justice championed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The conference brought together delegates from 187 ILO member states to deliberate on key labour issues, including the impact of AI on employment, gender equality and the protection of workers’ rights through social dialogue.
Addressing delegates during plenary debates on the ILO Director-General’s report, ‘Moment of Choice: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Decent Work’, Buthelezi commended the report for providing practical guidance on managing the impact of AI on employment. “We notice the importance it attaches to a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence, an approach that places people, decent work and social justice at the heart of technological transformation,” he said.
The minister said although technology and labour markets continue to evolve, the fundamental principles of human dignity, equality and economic security must remain unchanged.
Referring to the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work adopted in 2019, Buthelezi noted that the declaration served as an affirmation for the right of all people to pursue both material well-being and spiritual development in conditions of freedom, dignity and equal opportunity. “Technologies may change, labour markets may evolve, but human dignity, fundamental rights and values of social justice must never change,” he said.
According to the minister, as a developing country, Eswatini recognises both the opportunities and risks associated with AI and is committed to ensuring that technological progress contributes to sustainable and inclusive development.
Buthelezi told delegates that Eswatini was already embracing digital transformation within the labour sector through the Labour Inspection and Future of Work Technology (LIFT) system.
According to the minister, the platform has improved labour administration and inspection services by enabling the efficient collection, management and analysis of labour inspection data.
He said the digitalised system allows labour inspectors to identify workplaces with a higher likelihood of decent work deficits, monitor compliance more effectively and make evidence-based decisions. “Through digitalised inspection processes, risk-based targeting and real-time data analysis, the system enables inspectors to identify workplaces which have a high likelihood of decent work deficits, monitor compliance more effectively and make evidence-based decisions,” he said.
The minister added that the system was also helping strengthen the protection of workers’ rights and improve occupational safety and health outcomes by identifying trends in workplace accidents, labour violations and emerging risks.
He said such tools would become increasingly important as governments seek to monitor the impact of digital platforms, algorithmic management systems and AI-enabled workplace technologies.
Buthelezi welcomed the Director-General’s call for increased international cooperation and technical assistance in assessing countries’ AI readiness, understanding AI implications, strengthening labour market information systems and developing national AI strategies aligned with ILO standards.
He further stressed the importance of investing in people through digital skills development, AI literacy, reskilling and lifelong learning programmes. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the ILO and our social partners in building a future of work where technology serves humanity, protects workers and advances shared prosperity for all,” he said.
The 114th ILC is continuing in Geneva, with delegates debating measures aimed at shaping a fair and inclusive future of work amid rapid technological change.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi.