Govt, employers and trade unions call for stronger tripartite collaboration

KATHMANDU: Government, employers and trade unions today urged stronger tripartite collaboration as they reviewed progress under the Decent Work Country Programme for Nepal 2023–2027 and discussed next steps for inclusive development.

The meeting was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Joint Trade Union Coordination Center (JTUCC), Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and International Labour Organization (ILO). Representatives from the three constituencies gathered to assess achievements and plan future strategies.

MoLESS Secretary Dipak Kafle emphasised the need to deepen cooperation among government, employers and workers to secure decent work, social justice and inclusive economic growth. ILO Country Director for Nepal Numan Özcan said labour challenges could be tackled through collective action and underlined the importance of reliable data for effective interventions in the sector.

Prabal Jung Pandey, Vice President (Associate) of FNCCI and Chairperson of the Employers Council, said harmonious relations among the three parties were essential for the country’s economic development and productivity gains. He outlined FNCCI initiatives carried out with the ILO to improve worker welfare and expand opportunities for women.

Pandey noted that occupational safety and health guidelines had been implemented in the tea and black cardamom sectors. He also reported the launch of a Women Entrepreneurship Help Desk to assist women entrepreneurs and the piloting of multi-purpose care centres in parts of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.

FNCCI officials said their work with the government and the ILO targeted the inclusion of women and youth in the mainstream economy and supported measures aimed at decent work and broader development goals. The meeting concluded with calls for continued collaboration and concrete actions to turn programme goals into measurable outcomes.