Trade Union Forum

Speech by Olani Sekata Duressa, Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions. September 7th, 2024

Speech of the Delegate of Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) on 13th BRICS Trade Union Forum

September 07, 2024 Sochi- Russia

Dear President,

Dear Distinguished Guests and Dear Delegates

Dear Excellences

I am very pleased to be here in front of you representing Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) on this “13th BRICS Trade Union Forum” for the first time.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to those groups and individuals who invited us as a new participant on this especial occasion, which is being held under the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security."

Ethiopia, the country I come from, is historically termed as the land of human origin- which is attributed to Lucy (the oldest and most complete fossil skeleton of human ancestor). My country has large amount and intact natural resources with a current estimated population of 130 million, of with more than half percentage is estimated to be younger and productive. As one of the oldest nations in the world, Ethiopia has strong and robust institutions, with highly expanding infrastructures. Moreover, Ethiopia is the founding member of UN as the only independent country in Africa and hosts UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); it is the founder and the home of the Headquarter of African Union (AU), a hub of numerous UN Agencies and diplomatic corps; and one of the founders of Inter-Governmental Agency for Development (IGAD). However, I believe that my country has not yet sufficiently and justly benefited from UN organs as appropriate. Thus, surely Ethiopia’s inclusion into the BRICS body is appropriate, and it could certainly add value to the South-South cooperation and strengthen the BRICS Agenda.

BRICS was created in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China by the name "BRIC" group; and South Africa joined in 2010, made it "BRICS". Currently new promising nations such as Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and United Arab Emirates joined the group and make the cooperation BRICS+. Ethiopia’s accession to the BRICS group was announced at the 15th BRICS Summit, hosted by South Africa in August 2023. The summit invited Ethiopia and other countries to join the bloc from January 1, 2024. In such a way, since the group was designed to bring together the world’s most important developing countries to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations, Ethiopia has become the member state on BRICS+ and contributing its part for the achievement of the objectives, and to defend its national interest.

As revealed by multiple documents, BRICS has become an important source of global economic growth and political influence. BRICS economies have grown rapidly with their share of global GDP rising from 11% in 1990 to more than 37% in 2024. BRICS+ account for over 40% of the world population, and accounts for more than 18% of global trade. Financial markets in the BRICS member countries have similarly expanded in a rapid manner. Banks from these member countries figured among the top 100 banks in the world, with the top 4 banks headquartered in China. Moreover, among many marvelous achievements, the BRICS countries’ launching the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), in my opinion, are quite significant successes in a relatively short period of time. The establishments could mark a milestone in the global economic order to promote South-South cooperation and to better serve the needs of developing countries through the promotion of sustainable development- “Coming of a New Age”.

Ethiopia was suspended from AGOA (the duty-free access to the U.S. market) with no sufficient economic reason since January 2022; and consequently, more than six thousand employees became jobless, as many factories were closed. Thus, Ethiopian manufacturers need another route of trade and new market opportunities to bolster the country’s economic growth, to reduce unemployment as well as to promote economic and political reform. That is why Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) has been struggling to restore the AGOA opportunity on one hand, and attempting to cooperate with other junctions such as BRICS Trade Union Forum.

For instance, there are several numbers of large, medium and small sized enterprises and companies of BRICS member countries operating in Ethiopia. All these countries operating in Ethiopia are creating job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of workers; certainly, contributing to creating employment opportunities, skills-building, and technological advancement. Thus, our aim is to maintain and advance such productive relationships, and uphold mutual development. 

The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), which I represent to be here, is one of the oldest institutions in Ethiopia. It was established in 1963, and currently comprises about 2,300 member unions and more than 750, 000 member workers. CETU is the founding member of Horn of African Trade Unions Confederation (HATUC), member of Organization of African Trade Unions Unity (OATUU) and that of International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC) and ITUC-Africa. We have also close relation with LO- Norway, American Solidarity, Netherlands-Trade Union and other bi-lateral and multilateral relations. More prominently, we also uphold the objectives of the formation of BRICS, admire the hitherto achievements and proud that our country joined this influential global governing body. We are confident enough that the potential of BRICS countries and effectiveness of their global governance would enable us to realize the stated objectives and create a just, fair and better world for all.

To conclude Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Union CETU is so glad for joining this young and special cooperation- BRICS Trade Union Forum- the group which strives to change the global economic order to one which is more representative and fair. Further, we Ethiopian Trade Unions strongly support this BRICS Trade Union Forum by realizing that this structure clearly symbolizes the transition from a unipolar to a more equitable world. Therefore, we are so happy and ready to ratify “Declaration of BRICS Trade Union Forum”, which was first sanctioned in 2012 at Moscow.

Furthermore, our national center, the Confederation of Ethiopia Trade Unions (CETU) aspires that the BRICS Trade Union Forum will focus on workers’ rights and interest as human rights on the basis of the universally recognized norms and principles of International Labour Organizations (ILO). CETU believes that BRICS Trade Union Forum will work on advancing the creation of “Decent Work”; on achieving equality and social justice within member countries and in the world at large.

Solidarity Forever!   

Thank you!

Olani Sekata

CETU Delegate