A conference was held on the topic 'The Impact of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence on the Workplace'

"The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation (AHIK), and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK) jointly organized a conference on the topic 'Digitalization and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Workplaces.' The event was dedicated to April 28th, World Labor Day, and the 120th anniversary of the first collective agreement. Representatives from state and private institutions, international organizations, and trade union members participated in the event."

Conference participants visited an exhibition in the lobby of the 'Gulustan' Palace, showcasing the artwork of the winners of the 'Labor Protection' and 'Ecology in My Brush' drawing competitions among children, organized by the Azerbaijan Confederation of Trade Unions.

The event began with the playing of the National Anthem, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the founder of the Azerbaijani state, the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, and our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our country.

Speaking at the conference, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev emphasized that improving the social welfare of the population is a key focus of the successful policies of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Highlighting the reforms implemented to ensure decent work and the success of employment programs, the Minister also drew attention to the benefits of the 'Labor and Employment' subsystem and the achievements made in recent years in the electronification of state social services. He highlighted the significant steps taken in recent years to improve labor legislation, noting that work is currently underway on approximately 200 amendments to the Labor Code. He also mentioned that 58 national labor protection standards have already been approved, with another 111 standards under preparation. Referring to the support provided by the Labor Protection Center and the 'DOST Inspector' project, which began operating in 2023 to assist employers with implementing labor legislation, Anar Aliyev emphasized that workplace labor protection remains a priority issue. He stressed the importance of continuous oversight, training, and preventive measures in this area. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of this conference in identifying new initiatives and innovative approaches in response to the ongoing transformation in the labor sector.

Sahib Mammadov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation, emphasized the relevance of the conference topic and highlighted the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on the labor market. He pointed out that workers lacking technical skills and modern work habits may face challenges in the labor market. In this context, workers must adapt to new demands and challenges by enhancing their knowledge and skills. Systematic and consistent efforts are being made in Azerbaijan in this regard. He also noted that labor protection and the provision of healthy and safe working conditions are key priorities of the successful social policies being implemented in Azerbaijan. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the 'Artificial Intelligence Strategy' adopted in our country will support the development of inclusive employment and the formation of new work habits.

The event provided an overview of the work carried out by Azerbaijani trade unions, the planned measures, and new projects of the Confederation.

In his speech, ASK President Mammad Musayev discussed the progress made in developing the private sector, regulating relations between entrepreneurs and the state, as well as between entrepreneurs and employees. He also highlighted the steps taken to promote entrepreneurship, which plays a crucial role in creating new jobs and ensuring employment. Mammad Musayev urged entrepreneurs to pay special attention to safe and healthy labor conditions, stressing the importance of making serious investments and giving due focus to this area.

The Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, the Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation, Luc Triangle, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Turkey, Vedat Işıkhan, and the Head of the ILO's Labor Administration, Labor Inspection, and Occupational Safety and Health Division, Joaquim Pintado Nunes, extended their congratulations and shared their thoughts with the conference via video message.

Next, the Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children's Issues, Bahar Muradova, emphasized that artificial intelligence presents new opportunities, as well as the importance of taking measures to maximize its benefits and minimize potential harms. Sabina Aliyeva, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Honorary Labor Ambassador, highlighted the importance of the human factor in the labor market and discussed the opportunities presented by scientific and technological progress. It was noted that the formation of a global information society and the rapid development of information and communication technologies not only drive technical and social changes in society but also require a shift in legal approaches.

Then, First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev, Chairman of the Labor and Social Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis Musa Guliyev, and ILO National Coordinator for Azerbaijan Yashar Hamzayev delivered their congratulations on World Labor Day and the 120th anniversary of the collective agreement. They also shared their views on labor protection, workers' rights, digitalization, and the impact of artificial intelligence on workplaces.

The President of the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC) and Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Moldova, Mr. Igor Zubcu, ILO Chief Specialist Gocha Aleksandria, and Anna Salnikova, Political Advisor to the Pan-European Regional Council of PARC, who participated in the conference, discussed international labor standards and recommendations. They also provided information about the work of the organizations they represent in the fields of labor rights and labor protection.

The event featured videos on 'Labor Protection in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization,' 'The First Collective Agreement in the East and Azerbaijan – 120 Years,' as well as AHİK's 'Decent Labor Ambassadors' and 'AHİK Plus' projects.

The 'Victory Voice' children's choir, composed of children of heroic martyrs, and the music group from the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center performed at the event. The winners of the 2024 'For Effective Cooperation in Creating Healthy and Safe Working Conditions' and 'Successful Collective Agreement' competitions, organized by AHİK, were also honored at the conference.

The conference continued with panel discussions on 'Occupational Safety: Realities and Trends' and 'Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization: Risks and Opportunities.