ILO Launches Training on Evidence-Based Policymaking for Decent Work and Social Justice in Pakistan

The training, titled “National Training on Evidence-Based Policymaking for Decent Work and Social Justice,” runs from September 2-6, 2024.

In an age where policymaking is increasingly swayed by ideologies and political agendas, distinguishing evidence from anecdote is crucial. Recognizing this challenge, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a five-day intensive training program in Islamabad to empower Pakistani stakeholders in evidence-based policymaking.

The training, titled “National Training on Evidence-Based Policymaking for Decent Work and Social Justice,” runs from September 2-6, 2024. It aims to equip government officials, trade union representatives, and employer associations with the skills needed to critically assess and utilize evidence to foster a more informed, transparent, and effective policymaking process.

This initiative is part of the ILO’s Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) IV, which was agreed upon by tripartite constituents in May 2023. The training will enhance participants’ ability to evaluate and apply data, research, and best practices to shape impactful policies in the labor sector.

Naren Prasad, Head of Education and Training for Research at the ILO, emphasized the importance of the program. “This training is about equipping participants with the skills to turn solid evidence into actionable policies, ensuring that social justice in Pakistan is informed and impactful,” he said. Participants will gain access to a robust toolkit of research methods, analytical tools, and databases, essential for developing, advocating, and influencing policies that promote decent work.

The program will cover critical topics such as migration, minimum wage setting, and informality in the labor market. By the end of the training, each participant will draft and present a policy brief on a selected topic, applying the tools and knowledge acquired during the sessions.

Geir Tonstol, ILO Country Director for Pakistan, highlighted the training’s alignment with the ILO’s commitment to strengthening policymaking in Pakistan. “To achieve the priorities envisioned in the DWCP, it’s critical to generate data and assimilate information to understand job growth sectors, required skills, and decent work deficits that will inform social dialogue and policy discourse at all levels,” he stated.

This training represents a significant step towards building a future of informed policymaking in Pakistan, aiming to improve the quality of decisions that impact the world of work and social justice.