The Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Dr. Vanessa Phala, paid a working visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
Among the key areas of discussion was an invitation to the University to join the ILO's Global Coalition for Social Justice.
In a brief remark, Dr. Phala, highlighted that the Global Coalition for Social Justice is an initiative endorsed by the ILO governing body, emphasising that the Coalition leverages on a century of ILO experience to generate political commitment, investments and concrete actions as its mission.
“Advancing social justice for everyone, everywhere, we unite partners from governments, organisations, international institutions, enterprises and academic institutions in addressing areas of critical importance to achieving social justice”, she remarked.
Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Dr. Vanessa Phala
In explaining further, Dr. Phala mentioned that some of the thematic areas the Global Coalition for Social Justice looks out for include employment creation, social protection and Sustainable Development Goals, among others.
She further expressed her hope that UG will heed to the call and officially join the Coalition. “We look forward to the University of Ghana, a prestigious academic institution partnering with the Global Coalition for Social Justice, which aligns with the University’s mission,” she concluded.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, stated that the Global Coalition for Social Justice, which has been adopted by the ILO, is a good initiative. She further noted that there are established centres in the University which advocate for societal change and justice, such as the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) and the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS).
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
“Further discussions will be held towards accepting this invitation from the ILO adopted initiative,” she mentioned.
Dr. Deborah Atobrah, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy, who was present at the meeting, stressed the importance of gender equality in the University’s procedures. She mentioned the recent launch and implementation of the UG Gender Policy. The policy, she noted, aims at providing a framework document for achieving a gender equitable environment that engages both males and females in all critical spheres of decision-making.
On her part, Prof. Nana Akua Anyidoho, Director of the Centre for Social Policy Studies, expressed gratitude to the ILO for inviting the University to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice. She underscored the Coalition's significance in tackling societal issues and addressing matters pertaining to social policies.
The Coalition seeks to foster multilateral cooperation and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), championing social justice on a global scale.
In attendance were Registrar Mrs. Emelia N. K. Agyei-Mensah and Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of the Public Affairs Directorate.
