The 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor, scheduled to convene in Durban, South Africa, from May 15 to 20, 2022, stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration in the ongoing battle against child labor. This prestigious event is expected to draw the participation of more than 4,000 delegates representing a wide spectrum of sectors, including governments, trade unions, civil society, and international organizations. Together, these stakeholders will embark on a collective mission to confront the persistent scourge of child labor that continues to afflict millions of children worldwide.

Amidst the backdrop of significant strides in various regions, the grim reality persists: an estimated 160 million children, nearly one in ten globally, endure the harsh realities of child labor. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, threatening to reverse the hard-won progress achieved in recent years. As the clock ticks down with only three years remaining to achieve the audacious objective of eradicating all forms of child labor by 2025, and eight years to eliminate forced labor by 2030, according to UN Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the imperative for concerted action has never been more urgent.

Building upon the momentum generated by previous Global Conferences held in cities such as Buenos Aires, Brasilia, The Hague, and Oslo, the forthcoming 5th Global Conference is poised to harness collective wisdom, identify exemplary practices, and implement immediate interventions to safeguard children vulnerable to exploitation.

The choice of Durban, located in South Africa’s picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Province, as the host city for this pivotal event underscores its significance. The International Convention Centre (ICC), renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and world-class amenities, will serve as the venue for this landmark gathering. Here, amidst the vibrant backdrop of Durban, delegates will converge to engage in a multifaceted agenda encompassing substantive discussions, interactive workshops, and strategic planning sessions.

The overarching goal of the conference is clear: to forge concrete action plans, galvanize resources, and heighten awareness to accelerate progress towards realizing every child’s fundamental right to a secure and dignified childhood. As stakeholders unite in solidarity, the 5th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor holds the promise of ushering in a brighter future for generations to come.