Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 25 September 2023

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE TOTAL ELIMINATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

 26 September 2023

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons reminds us that a peaceful future depends on ending the nuclear threat.

Geopolitical mistrust and competition have spiked the nuclear risk to Cold War levels. Meanwhile, hard-won progress over many decades to prevent the use, spread and testing of nuclear weapons is being undone.

On this important Day, we re-affirm our commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and the humanitarian catastrophe their use would unleash.

This means nuclear-weapon States leading the way by meeting their disarmament obligations, and committing to never use nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

It means strengthening the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including through the Treaties on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

It means all countries that have not yet ratified the Comprehensive-Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty to do so without delay, and for those States that possess nuclear weapons to ensure a moratorium on all nuclear testing.

It means taking into account the evolving nuclear order, and addressing the blurring lines between strategic and conventional weapons and the nexus with new and emerging technologies.

Above all, it means deploying the timeless tools of dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to ease tensions and end the nuclear threat. The recently launched Policy Brief on a New Agenda for Peace calls on Member States to urgently recommit to this important cause.

The only way to eliminate the nuclear risk is to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Let’s work together to banish these devices of destruction to the history books, once and for all.

***

ILO

PRESS RELEASE

EFP with support from ILO organizes the 17th Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Awards

 ILO and other social partners reaffirm their commitment to promoting safe and productive workplaces ensuring the safety of workers and enterprise sustainability.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (ILO News) – Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) organized, on 25 September 2023, the 17th Occupational Safety and Health Award, to recognize the efforts of Pakistani enterprises that have demonstrated good occupational safety and health (OSH) practices and taken innovative initiatives to ensure the safety of workers at the workplace.

Over the last 17 years, more than 550 companies have been recognized for their good OSH practices and assisted in improving workplace health and safety through training and guidance provided by the ILO and EFP.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Government, employers’ and workers' organizations, and enterprises – including winning and participating enterprises. Omer Soomro, Minister for Law and Religious Affairs, Government of Sindh, attended the ceremony as chief guest.

“Occupational safety and health is a fundamental principle and right at work. ILO is pleased to acknowledge that the Government of Pakistan is actively pursuing the ratification of ILO’s core OSH Conventions, Number. 155 and Number 187,” said Geir Tonstol, ILO’s Country Director for Pakistan. “The ratification of these two Conventions would further demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to a safe and inclusive world of work,” he added.

Recognizing the private sector’s role, Geir Tonstol said that the private sector plays a significant role in fostering a culture of prevention, facilitating the sharing of best corporate practices, and establishing robust connections with national authorities responsible for labour issues, “Health and safety are crucial for the long-term sustainability of businesses”.

“EFP recognizes that OSH is not only a fundamental right but also a moral and practical necessity. In 2022, the International Labour Conference in Geneva adopted the ILO’s two OSH conventions as core labour standards, thereby increasing the responsibilities of the government, employers, and workers to respect and comply with OSH legislation,” said Malik Tahir Javaid, President of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan.

Tahir Javaid emphasized that the development of local industry and industrialization in Pakistan are the only solutions to addressing the challenges that the economy is currently facing, including increasing unemployment and poverty. “We, therefore, request the Government to place more importance on skills development, simplification of labour legislations and strengthening of social protection and other mechanisms to support the industry,” he added.

“The Sindh Government is fully committed to promoting a culture of health and safety, making the well-being of its people a central focus of the province's sustainable development and growth strategy," said Omer Soomro, Minister for Law and Religious Affairs, Government of Sindh

Omer Soomro urged employers, especially those in export sectors, to adhere to ILO Labor Standards, including OSH Conventions, to continue benefitting from the EU’s GSP Plus benefits and support Pakistan's sustainable development through increased exports.

Also speaking at the occasion Zahoor Awan, ILO’s Governing Body Member, and Munazza Gillani, Country Director Sight Savers, appreciated this very important initiative coming directly from employers and also stressed upon the need to collectively work further on promoting health and safety, especially for individuals with special needs.

For further information please contact:

Muhammad Numan

Communication Officer

Email: numan@ilo.org

Mobile: +92 303 5000041