Cameroon is getting ready to welcome over 3000 participants in October for the second African discussion on social protection at workplaces.

Under the patronage of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, Cameroon will, from October 6 to 8, host the second African Colloquium on Decent Labour under the theme "Putting in Place a Favourable Social Protection Environment using the World Pact on Employment". Taking cognisance of the importance of the event which is jointly organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the African Union (AU), the government of Cameroon through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Tuesday August 24, brought together members of the committee charged with overseeing the organisation of the colloquium at the level of Cameroon.

While chairing the meeting, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Robert Nkili reiterated the importance of the colloquium which will group some 100 labour ministers, labour, health, finance and employment experts from the United States, Europe and Asia as well as personalities from the United Nations concerned with the employment and social security file.

The Minister said the importance of social security in any workplace cannot be overemphasised, reason why it is necessary for Cameroon to prepare a warm welcome and reserve an enjoyable stay for personalities who will be in the country to discuss ways of crafting measures to boost incomes, create new jobs and provide broad social protection.

During the meeting, representatives from various ministries discussed issues which ranged from visa problems for invited guests, transportation of personalities, security measures, practical information such as cultural attraction and special dinners. From the draft programme of the colloquium, experts will brainstorm on the World Pact of Employment which the ILO had elaborated and presented. Other topics envisaged for discussion include the promotion of employment, paper presentations on the reduction of unemployment in Africa, extension of social security to all. The next preparatory meeting has been programmed for August 31.