Egyptian Labor Minister Hassan Raddad and Eric Oschlan, Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO) office in Cairo, inaugurated a three-day media 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 is part of a broader professional dialogue with journalists and media professionals under the theme "Responsible media for a changing world of work." It seeks to exchange experiences on labor topics and transformations while focusing on specific issues. The program includes sessions and discussions on efforts to eliminate child labor, media responsibility in handling child rights issues, and the impact of digital platforms and artificial intelligence on the media landscape.
Minister Raddad emphasized the crucial role of media in the labor system, stating that it goes beyond reporting news and events to building awareness, correcting concepts, and highlighting challenges. He noted that labor issues directly affect millions of citizens and are linked to human dignity, employment opportunities, training, social protection, occupational safety and health, and workers' and employers' rights.
Raddad highlighted that responsible media coverage of labor issues can be a tool for positive change when based on accurate information and understanding of legislation. He stressed that child labor is a priority issue requiring aware and responsible media coverage, reporting on state efforts with professionalism and objectivity. The minister emphasized that protecting children from exploitation is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between the state, families, civil society, employers, and the media.
The minister discussed the rapid changes in the media landscape, the spread of digital platforms, and the evolution of artificial intelligence tools. He emphasized that these developments require rethinking the media message and maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and credibility. The forum aims to develop best practices in covering labor issues and transforming media coverage into awareness and positive change.
ILO Director Eric Oschlan stated that child labor is a complex global phenomenon that cannot be understood solely through statistics. He emphasized the media's responsibility to address this issue accurately and responsibly while prioritizing children's dignity, privacy, and best interests. Oschlan noted that the forum will explore child labor from various angles, including national and international frameworks, realities, and challenges on the ground.
The forum concluded with a ceremony to distribute participation certificates to media professionals. Minister Raddad expressed his hope that the forum would produce practical ideas and visions to develop media coverage of labor issues and enhance collective efforts to reach awareness messages to families, workers, and young people. He thanked the ILO for its cooperation and the journalists and media professionals for their participation.
Key points
- The Egyptian government is implementing policies and programs to combat child labor through protection, awareness, and integrated interventions.
- The media plays a crucial role in addressing labor issues and promoting positive change when based on accurate information and responsible coverage.
- The forum aimed to facilitate professional dialogue and exchange experiences on labor topics, focusing on child labor and its complexities.
