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UNI Global Union’s General Secretary Philip Jennings was introduced as the “Global Warrior” to the more than 500 participants at the opening.  Senegal is a shining example, it advocates the right to negotiate, freedom of association and here workers have a seat at the table.

The UNI GS introduced a video message from the UNI Global President Ann Selin who was unable to attend the UNI Africa Conference because of illness. Jennings described her as a fighter and the participants warmly appreciated her support.

In his concluding remarks at the opening, Jennings spoke of the emotion of the visit to Gorée Island. He said that UNI joined with the United Nations and the ILO in striving to eliminate modern slavery by 2025. Currently 40 million people including millions of children are victims of slavery.

Jennings also spoke of the challenges faced in an Africa still ravaged by famine and, in some parts as elsewhere in the world, terrorism. 70% of African worker are still in vulnerable work.

“UNI Africa is a growing power, we will take Africa forward because we will take the people forward, through inclusive growth and a new green digital economy,” he said.

Jennings noted the Africa Development Week had chosen the themes of growth equality and employment, a sign that the union message was getting through. The UNI GS concluded us remarks by challenging African business leaders meeting in Geneva, Switzerland this week to visit the ILO and come back with a commitment  freedom of association, collective bargaining and ILO standards.