A conference dedicated to April 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the 120th anniversary of the first collective agreement was held on the topic “The impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on workplaces”. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK), and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK). It brought together representatives of public and private institutions, international organizations, and members of trade unions.
At the “Gulustan” Palace foyer, conference participants viewed an exhibition of winning artworks from the children’s contests “Occupational Safety” and “Ecology Through My Brush,” organized by AHIK.
The event began with the national anthem and a moment of silence in honor of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
In his address, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev emphasized that enhancing social well-being is a key priority of President Ilham Aliyev’s successful policy. He noted reforms aimed at ensuring decent work, the benefits of the “Labour and Employment” subsystem, and recent achievements in digitalizing social services. He mentioned that nearly 200 amendments to the Labour Code are under review, and 58 national occupational safety standards have already been approved, with another 111 in development. Anar Aliyev highlighted the importance of ongoing supervision, training, and preventive measures in workplace safety and noted the contributions of the Occupational Safety Center, which began operating in 2023, and the “DOST Inspector” project. He also emphasized the importance of this conference in identifying new initiatives and innovative approaches in response to the transformation taking place in the labor sphere.
AHIK Chairman Sahib Mammadov emphasized the relevance of the conference’s theme and the influence of digitalization and AI on the labour market. He stressed the need to enhance technical knowledge and skills and noted that structured efforts are being made in this direction. He added that the country’s adopted “Artificial Intelligence Strategy” would support inclusive employment and the development of new labour skills.
Occupational safety and the creation of safe and healthy working conditions were underscored as priority areas of Azerbaijan’s successful social policy. At the same time, the event provided information about the work done and planned measures by Azerbaijani trade unions, as well as new projects of the Confederation.
ASK President Mammad Musayev spoke about the efforts undertaken to develop the private sector and regulate the relationships between entrepreneurs and the state, as well as between entrepreneurs and employees. He also highlighted the steps taken to create new jobs and ensure employment. He highlighted the growing number of collective agreements in recent years and stated that occupational safety is not just a social issue but also one of national security and sustainable development. He urged all stakeholders to treat labour safety with sensitivity and to invest seriously in the field.
The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, Luc Triangle, the Minister of Labour and Social Security of Türkiye, Vedat Ishıkhan, and the Head of the ILO’s Labour Administration, Labour Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Branch, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, addressed the conference via video message, conveying their congratulations and thoughts.
Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, emphasized that artificial intelligence opens new opportunities for human creativity and stressed the importance of maximizing its benefits while minimizing risks.
Sabina Aliyeva, Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Ambassador for Decent Work emphasized the importance of the human factor in the labour market and spoke about the opportunities of scientific and technological progress. It was stated that the formation of a global information society and the dynamic development of information and communication technologies not only drive technical and social changes in society but also necessitate a shift in legal approaches.
Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy, Musa Guliyev, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Policy, and Yashar Hamzayev, ILO National Coordinator for Azerbaijan shared their congratulations on the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the 120th anniversary of the collective agreement. They shared their views on occupational safety, the protection of workers' rights, and the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on workplaces.
At the conference, Mr. Igor Zubcu, President of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC) and Chairman of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova, Gocha Aleksandria, Senior Specialist at the ILO, and Anna Salnikova, Political Affairs Adviser of PERC spoke about international labour standards and recommendations. They provided information on the work carried out by their respective organizations in the areas of labour rights and occupational safety.
The event featured video presentations on “Occupational Safety in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization,” “The First Collective Agreement in the East and in Azerbaijan – 120 Years,” and AHIK’s projects “Ambassadors for Decent Work” and “AHIK Plus.”
Performances were given by the “Voice of Victory” children’s choir, composed of martyrs’ children, and the music group of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity.
Also, winners of AHIK’s 2024 contests “For Effective Cooperation in Creating Safe and Healthy Working Conditions” and “Successful Collective Agreement” were awarded during the conference.
The event continued with panel discussions on “Occupational Safety: Realities and Trends” and “Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization: Risks and Opportunities.”
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