Today, approximately 400 participants are gathering in Brisbane for the 2024 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM). This significant event is organized under the PACER Plus Arrangement, which serves as the leading platform for addressing labour mobility issues in the Pacific region and encourages collaboration among vital stakeholders.
The overarching theme of this year’s PLMAM is “Collectively Building Resilience.” This theme underscores the critical importance of regional cooperation in enhancing labour mobility frameworks, especially as they adapt to emerging challenges.
Roy Lagolago, Head of the Implementation Unit and Labour Mobility Secretariat for PACER Plus, noted the substantial evolution of Pacific labour mobility since the launch of the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in 2007 and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in 2012. This transformation has been influenced by various factors, including shifting socio-economic dynamics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues related to climate change.
“In this rapidly changing era, the challenge for the Pacific is to continuously build resilience, and we recognize that successfully building resilience requires a cooperative effort by all involved,” Mr. Lagolago stated.
The four-day conference, hosted by the Australian government at the Pullman Hotel King George Square from November 11-14, will engage participants in discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration among labour mobility stakeholders. Attendees, including government officials, workers, employers, private sector representatives, unions, civil society organizations, academics, and regional institutions, will explore strategies for improving worker wellbeing, skills development, and social security.
This meeting not only promotes regional cooperation but also aims to ensure that the benefits of labour mobility are shared among workers, employers, and the broader economies in the Pacific region.
The focus on resilience and collaboration reflects a constructive approach toward navigating the challenges faced by the Pacific, signaling a future of opportunities for enhanced prosperity and mutual benefit.
In summary, the PLMAM is a crucial initiative aimed at fortifying the foundations of labour mobility across the Pacific as regional stakeholders come together to foster a resilient and cooperative environment.
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