Overview of employer advocacy efforts at the 79th United Nations General Assembly

With artificial intelligence and multilateralism taking centre stage at this UNGA, IOE and its partners pushed for concrete actions to advance digitalisation efforts for SMEs and foster the multilateral system.

Technology and rising digital divides led the agenda at this year’s UNGA. The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) took part in several key events focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work. IOE Permanent Representative to the UN, Shea Gopaul, presented the business view on AI during a keynote event “GenAI for the Global Goals”, co-organised by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy, IOE, and Accenture. She highlighted the important potential of AI to increase productivity, improve healthcare, and raise incomes while also calling attention to the dangers of developing economies missing out due to poor infrastructure, further exacerbating the digital divide.  

IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos represented IOE's community of over 150 members at the Private Sector Forum organised by the UNGC. Alongside representatives from the International Chambers of Commerce, the UNGC, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Secretary-General presented a landmark declaration of solidarity from the business sector in support of the multilateral system. The declaration highlights the fundamental importance of multilateral institutions and systems for economic growth and business development. 

The Secretary-General and Permanent Representative also took part in events at the UNGC Leaders' Summit. Mr Suárez Santos participated in a panel discussion on "Advancing the Living Wage Economy," while Shea Gopaul contributed to the conversation on "Future-proofing Business by Improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace". Other events in which IOE took part included keynote panels at the US technology company Salesforce. 

IOE member United States Council for International Business President & CEO Whitney Baird, represented employers at the launch of the International Labour Organization (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2024-26. She highlighted how social protection systems can help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and contribute to a more resilient society. 

Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs at the Society of Human Resource Managers – an IOE partner organisation – represented employers at the Equal Pay International Coalition, hosted by the ILO, Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development and UN Women.   

IOE concluded this UNGA session by attending events at the Climate Mobility Summit, focusing on how labour mobility will be required to fill skills shortages related to the low-carbon transition and calling for greater legal pathways for migration.