Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh struck a human-centred tone as he addressed the National Labour Conference at the Miatta Conference Centre, emphasising that labour reforms must translate into real improvements in people’s lives.

Speaking to workers, union leaders, and policymakers, Dr Jalloh said the conference was not merely about policy discussions but about shaping a better future for citizens.

“This conference is about shaping a future of work that is inclusive, resilient, and aligned with the aspirations of our people,” he stated.

The Vice President highlighted the daily challenges faced by many Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people and women operating in the informal sector, where jobs often lack security and fair wages. While acknowledging opportunities within the growing digital economy, he warned that unequal access to skills and technology risks widening existing disparities.

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“The digital economy offers opportunities, but without deliberate action, it will deepen inequalities,” he cautioned, calling for expanded investment in skills training and access to digital tools.

Linking national policy to household realities, Dr Jalloh underscored job creation as central to improving living standards.

“The biggest challenge today is household income, and we must create more opportunities for people to earn,” he said.

He further urged stakeholders to adopt a long-term perspective, noting that decisions made today will shape the workforce of tomorrow.

“The children born today are the workforce of 2045, and we must prepare for them now,” he added.

Also addressing the conference, Vanessa Phala, representative of the International Labour Organisation, stressed the importance of placing workers at the centre of labour reforms. She described the forum as a critical platform for dialogue and practical solutions.

Ms Phala highlighted the contribution of market women and informal workers to the economy, noting that many continue to operate under poor conditions with limited protection.

“Digitisation cannot work if it is not human-centred,” she said, calling for stronger social protection systems, improved access to finance, and expanded skills development to ensure inclusive growth.

Meanwhile, Mark Conteh, representing the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, welcomed the conference as a vital platform for engagement. He commended government efforts and the leadership of the Vice President, describing the forum as an opportunity to address labour concerns through dialogue.

“We believe in dialogue at the highest level to resolve our issues rather than resorting to conflict,” he said, urging authorities to institutionalize the conference as an annual event and to prioritise skills development in response to the evolving digital economy.