Somalia Renews Push for Safer Workplaces at Global Occupational Safety Conference in Riyadh

GOOBJOOG NEWS | RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Somalia has reaffirmed its national commitment to improving workplace safety, as Labour and Social Affairs Minister Yusuf Mohamed Adan represents the country at the 7th International Conference on Occupational Safety and Health in Riyadh.

The high-level forum, hosted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, gathers international policymakers, labor leaders, and health experts to explore strategies for reducing occupational hazards, preventing workplace injuries, and fostering a global culture of safety.

In his address to the conference, Minister Adan highlighted Somalia’s efforts to reform and modernize labor safety standards amid ongoing reconstruction and economic development.

A key initiative, he said, is the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a specialized body that will lead national efforts to research, regulate, and promote safe working environments.

“Building safer workplaces is not just about policy, it’s about protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every Somali worker,” the Minister stated. “Our vision is a future where safety is a fundamental right in every sector, from construction sites to government offices.”

The Minister also called for greater international collaboration, technical support, and knowledge exchange to help countries like Somalia close safety gaps and accelerate progress on sustainable labor reform.

Somalia’s participation in the global conference marks a significant step in its journey to align national labor policies with international safety standards, while laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient workforce.