Işıkhan Addresses Labour Issues in Moldova Conference

Minister Işıkhan in Moldova: Labour Market Transformation in Focus

Turkey’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, visited Chisinau to attend the Council of Europe High-Level Conference on Social Rights and hold a series of bilateral meetings.

Speaking at a session on the future of work, Işıkhan emphasized that digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the green transition are fundamentally reshaping labour markets. These transformations are also redefining the scope of social rights.

He noted that Turkey is aligning its policies with the European Social Charter while strengthening social dialogue mechanisms. Within the National Employment Strategy, priority is given to strengthening the link between education and employment.

Işıkhan stated that new skills required by the green and digital transition are being integrated into vocational education systems and active labour programs, preparing the workforce for future professions.

He also highlighted upcoming international events, including the OECD Skills Summit in Istanbul and COP31 in Antalya, as key platforms for global cooperation.

Addressing broader global issues, the minister pointed to serious human rights violations in various regions and stressed the importance of protecting civilians. He underlined the role of the Council of Europe in strengthening rights-based governance.

Işıkhan emphasized that the principle of “just transition” remains a core policy reference for Turkey, including reskilling workers, strengthening social protection, and increasing participation of women and vulnerable groups.

During his visit, he held meetings with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Italian Labour Minister Marina Calderone, and Moldovan Labour Minister Natalia Plugaru, and also visited the Turkish Embassy in Chisinau.