FESTU raises voice in Geneva: Somali workers and youth are essential

FESTU: “Without dialogue, there is no peace”

Geneva, Switzerland – 6 June 2026 – The Secretary-General of the Somali Workers' Union (FESTU), Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, today participated in a high-level meeting discussing “50 Years of Social Dialogue: Lessons for the Future,” held during the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC), where he was joined by ministers and international diplomats, sharing Somalia's experience in developing tripartite dialogue (government, workers, and employers).

This meeting comes as we mark 50 years since the ILO Convention No. 144 on tripartite consultation. Somalia, having gone through over a decade of dismantling labor organizations, has gradually restored dialogue, which has contributed to changing labor relations, building trust, and enacting labor laws.

“Social dialogue is not just a consultative process, nor is it merely the implementation of procedural requirements. It is the foundation of social peace, social justice, and sustainable development,” said Omar Faruk. “In the face of increasing fragmentation and uncertainty, dialogue is not a luxury, but a necessity to build trust, ensure justice, and achieve sustainable development.”

The Secretary emphasized that labor organizations are not mere observers of dialogue but are essential participants in shaping the future of work. He stated that effective dialogue should be proactive, not just reactive, so that governments, employers, and workers can collaboratively address emerging challenges and opportunities.

The meeting included the Minister of Saint Lucia, the Ambassador of the European Union, and the Advisor of the Employers' Union of Kazakhstan. All emphasized the importance of dialogue, with Omar Faruk ultimately noting that FESTU stands with workers and labor organizations worldwide reiterating the message: “The strongest, broadest, and most sustainable progress is built on dialogue.”

The post FESTU raises voice in Geneva: Somali workers and youth are essential first appeared on Radio Dalsan .