Young trade unionists from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Singapore from 15-19 September 2024 for the 17th Youth Leadership Course titled ‘A New Social Contract – For Democracy: Empowering Youth in the Asia Pacific’. Organised by ITUC-Asia Pacific, Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF) and Ong Teng Cheong Labour Leadership Institute (OTCi), this five-day intensive programme brought together 29 participants from 18 countries, providing a platform for youth to explore pressing issues within the labour movement and promote democratic principles.
The course featured a comprehensive curriculum covering crucial topics such as workers' power, trade union leadership, human rights and due diligence, gender equality, and occupational health and safety, placing them in the context of the ITUC #ForDemocracy campaign. Through interactive discussions and workshops, participants gained deeper insights into the multifaceted role of trade unions and the importance of active youth involvement in advancing workers' rights and social justice.
A highlight of the course was a visit to the Singapore National Trades Union Congress (SNTUC) and the ITUC-Asia Pacific regional office, where the participants had the opportunity to meet senior trade union leaders and observe the day-to-day operations of the labour movement. This experience provided participants with valuable perspectives on effective leadership within the union context.
The event culminated with participants pledging to actively contribute to their unions and reinforce youth engagement in the labour movement throughout Asia and the Pacific. With their strong commitment to a struggle for a just and democratic future, these emerging leaders are set to take on influential roles in advancing labour rights and amplifying the voices of young workers across the region.
ITUC-Asia Pacific, JILAF, and OTCi hailed the event’s success and expressed their dedication to developing the next generation of trade union leaders who are ready to drive meaningful change and uphold democratic values in the workplace and beyond.
%20(1).png)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%201.svg)
