Issued by the First Founding Congress
Beirut – Republic of Lebanon
14 October 2019
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Guided by the shared destiny of the peoples of Asia and Africa, committed to the principles of social justice, human dignity, sustainable development, and strengthened international cooperation, and recognizing the historic role of the trade union movement in promoting social stability, economic progress, and constructive social dialogue, the representatives of the National Trade Union Centers assembled at the First Founding Congress held in Beirut, Republic of Lebanon, on 14 October 2019, hereby declare the establishment of the International Union of Asian and African Trade Unions.
The Union shall serve as an independent international trade union organization representing the National Trade Union Centers of Asia and Africa. It shall promote unity, solidarity, and cooperation among its members, safeguard their common interests, and strengthen their role as strategic partners in achieving sustainable development, social justice, and prosperity.
The Union reaffirms its commitment to the principles of trade union independence, freedom of association, social dialogue, equality, non-discrimination, transparency, mutual respect, and the rule of law, believing that genuine development can only be achieved through effective partnership among all sectors of society.
The Union is committed to strengthening the institutional capacities of its member organizations, enhancing cooperation and coordination among them, supporting the development of trade union institutions, and promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices to reinforce their effectiveness at the national, regional, and international levels.
The Union further seeks to support economic, social, and professional rights, contribute to the development of legislation and public policies, promote social protection, improve working environments, strengthen occupational safety and health standards, invest in education and vocational training, empower women and youth, and encourage innovation and digital transformation in response to global economic and technological developments.
The Union shall establish strategic partnerships with parliaments, governments, employers’ organizations, regional and international institutions, civil society organizations, and academic and research institutions to promote dialogue, cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives serving the shared interests of the peoples of Asia and Africa.
The Union also pledges to support and represent its member National Trade Union Centers in regional and international forums, defend their legitimate interests, reinforce trade union solidarity, coordinate common positions, and contribute collectively to addressing contemporary economic, social, and developmental challenges.
The Union calls upon National Trade Union Centers, regional and international organizations, and all relevant institutions to strengthen cooperation and partnership in pursuit of sustainable development, social justice, peace, stability, and mutual understanding among nations.
With the launch of its activities, the International Union of Asian and African Trade Unions renews its commitment to the principles of independence, neutrality, transparency, cooperation, and mutual respect, and affirms its determination to serve as a leading international platform representing the National Trade Union Centers, advancing their common interests, supporting their institutional development, and contributing to a more prosperous, just, and peaceful future for the peoples of Asia and Africa.
God is the Source of Success.
Issued by the First Founding Congress
International Union of Asian and African Trade Unions
Beirut – Republic of Lebanon
14 October 2019
