Egyptian Labor Minister Hassan Raddad and Eric Oschlan, Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO) office in Cairo, inaugurated a three-day forum titled "Media and Child Labor: From Coverage to Impact" in Alexandria on September 21, 2026. The event, organized by the Ministry of Labor in collaboration with the ILO, brings together journalists and media professionals interested in labor issues. The forum aims to facilitate professional dialogue on labor topics and their transformations.
The forum focuses on several topics related to child labor, including efforts to eliminate forms of child labor and discussions on media responsibility in handling child rights issues. The event also explores the changing media landscape and the opportunities and challenges presented by digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools. The program includes sessions and professional dialogues on recent developments in efforts to eliminate child labor.
In his opening speech, Minister Raddad welcomed journalists and media professionals, emphasizing that the media is a key partner in the labor system. He stressed that their role goes beyond reporting news and events, extending to building awareness, correcting concepts, and highlighting challenges. The Minister noted that labor issues affect millions of citizens and are directly linked to human dignity, employment opportunities, and social protection.
Raddad highlighted the importance of responsible media coverage of labor issues, which can be a tool for positive change when based on accurate information and an understanding of legislation. He emphasized that child labor is a key issue requiring aware and responsible media coverage. The Minister also noted that protecting children from exploitation is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between the state, families, civil society, and the media.
The Minister discussed the rapid changes in the media landscape, the spread of digital platforms, and the development of artificial intelligence tools. He emphasized that these changes require rethinking the nature of media messages and maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and credibility. Raddad expressed his hope that the forum would produce practical visions and ideas to develop media coverage of labor issues.
ILO Director Eric Oschlan stated that child labor is a complex global phenomenon that cannot be understood solely through statistics. He emphasized that the media has a significant responsibility and opportunity to highlight these issues accurately and responsibly. Oschlan noted that the forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue between those working on labor issues and those responsible for conveying them to the broader public.
The forum concluded with the distribution of participation certificates to media professionals. Minister Raddad expressed his appreciation for the ILO's continuous cooperation and the participation of journalists and media professionals in the dialogue. He hoped for the forum's success and the production of practical results and recommendations worthy of the importance of the issues discussed.
Key points
- The Egyptian Labor Minister emphasizes the media's role in addressing child labor and promoting responsible labor practices.
