Africa finds itself at a critical crossroads, undergoing significant socio-economic shifts that necessitate cohesive and strategic actions. At the heart of this transformation journey are trade unions, positioned as pivotal drivers of tangible collective action that can propel Africa’s transformational agenda. The multifaceted role of trade unions across key focal areas assume paramount importance in shaping and navigating Africa’s future landscape.

The New Year’s School is a tradition initiated in 2011, and serves as a platform for in-depth discussions and reflections on pressing social, economic and political issues facing Africa. Over the years, it has covered a wide range of thematic areas, including African emancipation, regional integration, sustainable development, renaissance and trade union unity, among others.

The 14th edition of NYS aims to:
• Foster Trade Union Unity and Organizational Strength;
• Address Illicit Financial Flows and Continuing Sovereign Debt Crisis ;
• Maximize the Potentials of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Industrialization ;
• Champion the African Trade Union Just Transition Campaign ; and
• Enhance Capacities in Trade Union Leadership effectively.

Key Development Themes
During the four days of the school, discussions will revolve around key development themes including:
• Organizing and Inter-Union Collaboration and Unity.
• Curbing Illicit Financial Flows and Sovereign Debt Reversal to Advance Social Protection Financing.
• Advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agenda to Develop an African Value Chain for Industrialization.
• Advancing the African Trade Union Just Transition Campaign Towards Sustainable and Decent jobs.
• Addressing Peace and Security Challenges and the State of Democracy and Human Rights in Africa today.

The program will feature a diverse array of sessions, including lectures, plenaries, panel discussions, and thematic working groups or commissions. The commissions will deal with the mentioned thematic areas and will come out with key insights for all.
Additionally, a rally will be held in the city of Lusaka to protest Africa’s burgeoning debt situation. This rally follows the Africa Sovereign Debt Campaign launched at the 5th Congress in Nairobi, Kenya.

Participants:
The New Year School will bring together approximately 120 participants of leaders in the labour movement and beyond. This will include ITUC-Africa leadership, ITUC-Africa affiliates leadership, women in trade union leadership, labour researchers and educators, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Solidarity Support Organizations (SSO) among others.

For more information, please contact us via :
Email : info@ituc-africa.org / communications@ituc-africa.org
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Site web : www.ituc-africa.org
Hashtag : #NYS2024