“Inequalities remain huge both nationally and globally. The gap between the poor and the rich is opening ever wider, and this opens a gap that encompasses not only income, but also access to healthcare, education, and living conditions. The best way to deal with these inequalities is work“, said Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov during the 113th session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
As head of the national delegation, which includes representatives of the state, as well as nationally representative organizations of workers and employers, he made a statement in connection with the annual report of the Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbaud. This year, the document is dedicated to jobs, human rights and economic development. In his speech to the delegates from the 187 member states of the ILO, Minister Gutsanov outlined the concrete steps that Bulgaria is taking towards human capital development. He presented the measures of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Human Resources Development Program (HRDP), through which access to over 500 million euros has been ensured for training, courses and support for new and green jobs.
“Economic growth must be inclusive, and work must be dignified. Investments in people are needed, who are the key to a fair future of work”, said the Minister of Labor and Social Policy. He emphasized the need to improve skills that are tailored to the future. “Over 440 million euros are foreseen under the HRDP. "€100 million for training and internships, including measures to reduce the skills gap between different age groups, especially in digital and STEM skills, as well as support for new and green jobs," the Minister said.
Minister Gutsanov also presented the priorities of Bulgaria's labor market policy. "The focus of the MLSP is on promoting the employment of vulnerable groups of the population and increasing the quantity and quality of the workforce. For this purpose, 45 million euros have been allocated in the state budget for 2025," he said. The Minister also noted the positive dynamics of the country's labor market: "In Bulgaria, the employment rate continues to grow and reached 71%, while unemployment decreased to 4.2%," he announced.
In his speech, Minister Gutsanov emphasized the importance of international solidarity and the role of the ILO in protecting workers' rights. "We are meeting at a key moment in history - we face great challenges, but we also have the opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to social justice, decent work and inclusive growth," Gutsanov stressed.
As part of his participation in the International Labour Conference, he will hold meetings with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo and Austrian Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Welfare and Consumer Protection Corinna Schumann.