OEB in Geneva for the International Labour Conference
Speech by the Director-General at the Plenary Session of the Session
The Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB) participates in the Annual Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the work of which takes place in Geneva, Switzerland. The presence of the Cypriot employers’ delegation began on May 31, 2026 and will be continuous until June 12, 2026 when the Conference ends.
The Agenda of the Conference includes issues of particular importance for the modern world of work, with central reference to the challenges and opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence for economies, businesses and employment.
The employers’ delegation is headed by the Director General of OEB and Alternate Member of the Board of Directors of the ILO, Mr. Michalis Antoniou, who addressed a speech on behalf of the Cypriot employers before the Plenary Session of the Conference.
In his speech, Mr. Antoniou pointed out that Artificial Intelligence is a technological development, whose capabilities are developing rapidly, while institutions need much more time to understand, consult and reach consensus on ways to integrate it into work.
He underlined that this reality does not diminish the importance of social dialogue, but makes it necessary for it to be faster, more documented and more adaptable, in order to respond to developments and lead to balanced decisions.
Referring to Cyprus, he noted that the country, despite successive crises, was and remains a safe and stable destination for investment and tourism, with strong institutions, the rule of law and an equal position in the European Union.
The video of Mr. Antoniou’s 5-minute speech is available below:
The mission also includes the Senior Officer Mr. Polyvios Polyviou and the Officer Ms. Elena Polyviou of the Department of Labor Relations and Social Policy of OEB.
OEB has been representing Cypriot employers in the ILO continuously since 1960, when Cyprus became a member of the International Labour Organization.
