The day was filled with powerful moments - from an energizing opening dance to deeply strategic speeches and dynamic discussions that captured the urgency of our mission.

The opening statements set a strong tone for the days ahead. 

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana powerfully articulated that "when public servants thrive, our nations prosper," emphasizing that "the true frontlines of national survival lie not in corporate boardrooms, but in our hospitals, classrooms, and local government offices". 

Bampoe Addo, NCC Chair of Ghana, reminded us that "human factors in economic development should not be taken for granted because it is the bedrock for national progress".

Britta Lejon, PSI President, challenged us to confront the harsh reality that many governments remain "stuck in financial frameworks that freeze wages, lock new recruitments, push for privatization, and meanwhile the super rich are getting richer." She called on us to "demand fiscal space for investments in welfare, climate adaptation and secure jobs". 

Daniel Bertossa, PSI General Secretary, was unflinching in his assessment: "We are under attack which makes our task difficult," but reminded us that "we are the ones that make society work and who hold it together when the storm hits".

Our first panel session, "Reclaiming Quality Public Services for Dignity," dove deep into how privatisation, austerity, and digitalisation are systematically undermining workers' rights and weakening the public services our communities depend on. Speakers didn't just identify problems - they offered concrete alternatives rooted in democratic ownership, fair taxation, and strong public financing. There was a clear call to reclaim technology for equity and inclusion rather than allowing it to become another tool of exploitation. The session also addressed the alarming increase in attacks on union leaders and the fundamental right to strike, with particular attention to the ITUC's groundbreaking case before the International Court of Justice.

The second panel confronted an issue that affects workers across all sectors: gender-based violence in the world of work. The discussion brought together voices from across regions and sectors, each sharing the painful reality of violence and harassment that too many workers - especially women - face daily. Delegates were clear that we must move beyond symbolic gestures to structured action, calling for genuine tripartite cooperation among unions, employers, and governments. Stories emerged from French and Arabic-speaking regions about the daily harassment faced by women cleaners and the silence that too often hides violence in essential sectors like energy. The message was unequivocal: we need both zero-tolerance policies and concrete support for survivors.

Throughout the day, certain themes kept surfacing. 

Joel Akhator Odigie, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, captured one perfectly: "In the face of adversity, solidarity is our greatest strength".

Prince Peters Adeyemi, PSI Vice President, reminded us that "we gather here not merely as representatives of our individual unions, sectors, or countries - but as a united voice of the working class determined to reclaim our dignity, protect our rights, and expand the reach and quality of public services for all".

Perhaps Daniel Bertossa, PSI General Secretary, said it best when he declared: "Organisation is our method, solidarity is our strength". This is what will carry us forward - not just through this conference, but in the struggles that await us when we return home.

Day 1 has set a powerful foundation. Let's continue this momentum together. 

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