Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri speaking at the event.
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri yesterday took part in the high-level ministerial session of the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco, attended by senior representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, and civil society.
The session, titled “Child Labour in a Changing World: Emerging Challenges and Strategic Opportunities to 2030 and Beyond”, provided a platform for leaders to examine how climate change, conflict and displacement, demographic shifts, technological advances, and evolving global supply chains are reshaping child labour risks and demanding innovative, integrated policy responses.
Addressing the session, Dr. Al Marri reaffirmed that Qatar is resolutely committed to eliminating all forms of child labour, underpinned by a comprehensive legal framework and robust policy measures that prohibit child employment without exception. He highlighted Qatar’s achievement in establishing child-labour-free workplaces, reflecting the country’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding children’s rights.
Dr. Al Marri outlined Qatar’s experience in aligning national legislation with international standards, including ratification of ILO conventions, prohibiting employment of minors under 18 in key sectors, combating human trafficking, and establishing multilingual grievance mechanisms. He emphasised the critical role of investments in inclusive education, social protection, and digital infrastructure to prevent exploitation, strengthen monitoring, and enforce accountability across national and global supply chains.
Education remains central to Qatar’s strategy. Dr. Al Marri stressed that the nation provides high-quality, inclusive education for all children, delivered in safe, adaptive environments that ensure equal opportunities and prevent any child from being left behind.
Qatar’s commitment extends globally, with initiatives through the Qatar Fund for Development and the Education Above All Foundation supporting family empowerment, social protection, and access to education in developing countries, particularly those affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.
In 2024, Qatar implemented over 50 educational projects across 77 countries, directly benefiting approximately 865,000 children and youth, enabling 14.7 million previously out-of-school children to access education, and providing skills development and economic empowerment to millions of young people.
Dr. Al Marri concluded by emphasising Qatar’s leadership role on the global stage, calling for strengthened international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and integrated multi-stakeholder strategies to deliver practical, sustainable solutions that place children’s rights and dignity at the forefront of policy and action.
Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri participated in the opening of the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, convened yesterday in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco, in the presence of representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, civil society, and other key international stakeholders.
The three-day conference, held from February 11 to 13, 2026, serves as a pivotal platform to strengthen international cooperation, fostering dialogue and collaboration among governments, regional and global institutions, civil society, and the private sector. It provides a forum for the exchange of evidence-based strategies, successful national experiences, and best practices in the global fight against child labour.
A central aim of the conference is to reinforce high-level political commitment and to encourage the integration of child labour concerns into national policies relating to development, education, social protection, and the labour market.
