Abdulqadir Al-Shahabi, Secretary-General of the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, stressed that decent work, poverty reduction, and social inclusion require peace, human rights, and stronger employer–worker dialogue. He highlighted Bahrain’s rising unemployment and living costs and presented the union’s reform vision, including a 700-dinar minimum wage and a greater role for unions in stabilizing the economy.

Yassine Al-Hanashi, Representative of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to supporting trade union development and legal awareness. She reaffirmed that decent work is a fundamental human right and said the conference provides an essential platform for dialogue at a time of mounting social and economic challenges.

Youssef bin Abdulhussein Khalaf, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Labor, through his presence, signaled government recognition of the importance of social dialogue and cooperation with unions and international partners on labor-market reform and worker protection.