Fathimath Zimna General Secretary of PSI affiliate, the Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU), emphasizes the significance of these discussions, especially for countries with young trade union movements like hers.

Zimna highlights the recent achievements in her country, including the ratification of the Industrial Relations Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which took effect in May. These milestones were reached through extensive advocacy led by trade unions at the local, regional, and international levels.

She is using the ILC platform to engage in bilateral meetings with government officials, employers, and key partners, aiming to ensure the effective implementation of these crucial bills and to continue advocating for improved health and care standards. The ILC discussions underscore the importance of global cooperation in advancing workers' rights and safety.

Perpetual Foran, President of PSI affiliate, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, is attending the 112th International Labour Conference as part of the Ghanaian delegation.

As a participant of the Decent Work and Care Economy Committee, she underlines the key discussions focusing on the need for decent work for care workers, addressing issues like low remuneration, and ensuring quality care.

Foran highlighted the need for countries such as the UK, US, Canada, and Australia to invest in health infrastructure, training, and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. Adequate investment can help curb the migration of health professionals. Moreover, high-income countries that recruit our health professionals have a responsibility to invest in the economies of the source countries.

These learnings will be beneficial for structuring policies back home in Ghana. The conference's discussions, including those on standards and minimum age for work, provided significant learning experiences that Foran believes will enhance her leadership as a trade union representative.