BUSINESSAfrica Employers’ Confederation participated in a high-level event organized by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). This important event gathered leaders from businesses, employers’ organisations, governments and trade unions to explore current and upcoming trends in industrial relations with a focus on how social partners can navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. Keynote addresses from key speakers highlighted the importance of strong, inclusive, and effective industrial relations to tackle current trends and social and labour issues affecting the world of work. The opening panel on social partner engagement emphasized the crucial role of social dialogue in shaping fair, inclusive, and effective labour regulations. Speakers stressed that freedom of association is the cornerstone of meaningful dialogue, allowing workers and employers to negotiate solutions together. Other panels of the conference featured deep dives into: