On May 13, 2024, in Khujand (Republic of Tajikistan), the 5th session of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asia (CTUCA) took place. The sub-regional forum was attended by the heads of the national trade union centers of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, as well as representatives of the International Labour Organization and others.

The Kyrgyz delegation, headed by the chairman of FTUK Dzhumadilde uulu Muradil, included the deputy chairman of FTUK Turusbek uulu Erbol, the chairman of the Central Committee of the Mining and Metallurgical Trade Union Meder Atayanov, and the chairman of the Republican Trade Union of Workers in the Forestry Sector Ayazbek Kydyrgychev.

Opening the session, the chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Tajikistan, Maliksho Nematzoda, noted the role of the organization in strengthening regional cooperation in the key areas of trade union activities.

The initial topic of discussion was the issue of decent work in Transnational Corporations (TNC) and the level of involvement of TNC employers in social partnership. On this topic, the chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kyrgyzstan, Dzhumadilde uulu Muradil, delivered a report and emphasized:

“The process of globalization and the economic situation in the world undoubtedly affect socio-labor relations and the labor market as a whole. They contribute to transforming its structure, shifting its focus from traditional and industrial sectors to those associated with information technology and services. Moreover, climate change and the demands of new labor market trends promote the development of a green economy and the creation of green jobs. This particularly concerns transnational corporations. The countries of Central Asia have unique opportunities and prerequisites for a green economy. Vast territory, a favorable geopolitical position, available natural resources, a growing supply in the market of increasingly efficient and affordable green technologies, and other factors contribute to new opportunities”.

Greeting the seminar participants on behalf of the International Labour Organization, Sergejus Glovatskas, Head of the Europe and Central Asia Department, highlighted the importance of developing cross-border cooperation in the socio-labor sphere.

The participants also discussed the use of green economy policies as an instrument for safe work, the transformation of the Council of Trade Unions of Central Asia into the Asian Confederation of Trade Unions (ACTU), and the organization of a contest for the title of “Best Employer” in the countries of Central Asia.

In addition, as part of the CTUCA session, a futsal tournament was held among the national trade union centers of the participating countries for the “CTUCA Cup”.