The 15th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) opened in Kyoto , Japan , on Dec. 4.
The meeting draws the participation of about 500 representatives from more than 46 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific and the Arab States . The Vietnamese delegation to the event was led by Minister of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen.

At the opening ceremony, ILO Director General Juan Somavia said that the global economic development model has over the past 30 years economically benefited some countries in the region. However, this model is posing challenges to the environment and causing a shortage of good jobs. He said if this problem is not solved, it will threaten social linkage, political stability and long-term development.

The four-day meeting will discuss the co-ordination of macroeconomic, employment and social security policies; the development of productive employment, sustainable enterprises and skills; and promoting rights at work places and social dialogue.

On the sidelines of the meeting, ILO and the host Japan will organise three sessions on employment-led crisis response, green jobs and partnerships./.