Nepal Labour Minister Marks International Labour Day at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE

The Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security in Nepal, Honourable Sharad Singh Bhandari, addressed nearly 800 delegates in Kathmandu yesterday at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE for Labour Day, Majdur Diwas, to enforce the importance of eye health in productivity and workplace safety.  

 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE, hosted by IAPB and local hosts B.P. Eye Foundation, Nepal Eye Hospital, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, and brings together some of the world’s finest minds to shape collective action to confront the global eye health crisis. 

The Minister shared his passion for closely connecting eye health into labour initiatives in Nepal by stating, “I approach the issue of avoidable sight loss from a clear perspective, eye health is not only a health issue. It is a workforce issue, a productivity issue, and a cornerstone of economic resiliency.” Adding, “This is why the Government of Nepal supports a systems-based approach to Occupational Safety and Health — one that includes the eye health of workers as a fundamental component… We are integrating eye health considerations into our workplace safety programs — encouraging employers to conduct risk assessments, invest in protective equipment, and offer regular eye checks. These measures protect not only individuals, but the productivity and resilience of our national workforce.” 

In recent years IAPB has worked with members to address eye health in the workplace to unlock not just economic potential, but global progress on multiple agendas. Particularly considering that annual global productivity loss from vision impairment is approximately US$411billion.  

Peter Holland, IAPB CEO stated, “Having the Minister join us at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE was a powerful testament to the critical intersection between eye health and the world of work.” He added, “Hearing the Minister affirm Nepal’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, and to the International Labour Organization’s core conventions on safe and healthy working environments underscores the nexus between policy and practice. By strengthening measures to reduce occupational eye risks, expand access to eye care services, and promote good eyesight throughout a worker’s career, Governments like Nepal’s are setting a benchmark for global eye health leadership.”  

In his speech, the Minister emphasised IAPB’s “Eye Health and the World of Work” report, produced in collaboration with the International Labour Organization. The report underscores that healthy vision is essential for workplace safety and productivity and highlights the substantial impact of sight loss on employees, businesses, and economies. 

Labour Day, Majdur Diwas, marked the close of 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE.  

The event enjoys support from companies and organisations across the eye care sector, including event Changemakers, CBM, The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation, CooperVision, Cure Blindness Project, The Fred Hollows Foundation, National Vision, Roche and Seva Foundation.  

For more information, to watch recorded session visit www.iapb.org