The UNI World Congress, incorporating the UNI Women’s Conference on June 14 – 15 and the UNI Global Union World Congress on June 17 – 20, will take place at the Echo Arena. Tony McDonough reports
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is among the speakers at an global trade union event in Liverpool that will bring 2,500 visitors to the city.
The UNI World Congress, incorporating the UNI Women’s Conference on June 14 – 15 and the UNI Global Union World Congress on June 17 – 20, will take place at the Echo Arena, part of the ACC Liverpool complex.
Delegates from 40 countries will attend the event, representing more than 20m workers from over 900 trade unions worldwide. As well as Mr Corbyn, other speakers will include Rev Dr William Barber, Guy Ryder and Dilma Rousseff.
A spectacular opening ceremony of the Congress – created by Andrew Sherlock, head of drama at Liverpool John Moores University in partnership with Culture Liverpool – will take place on June 17.
The congress coincides with Liverpool’s third International Business Festival taking place next door at Exhibition Centre Liverpool so the city will be thronging with overseas visitors.
Philip Jennings, UNI Global Union general secretary, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the UNI Women’s Conference and the UNI World Congress to Liverpool, a city recognised throughout the world for its warmth, humour and fighting spirit. This is the largest global union gathering in 2018.
“Liverpool has its roots in the growth of the labour movement in the UK and we will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the TUC as well as 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote.
“Our 2,000-plus participants are looking forward to enjoying a warm scouse welcome. Culture Liverpool and ACC Liverpool have made us feel part of the city and we know this will be a great event.”
Bob Prattey, chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, said: “We have worked with the organisers of UNI Global Union Congress for many years to secure and organise this significant event which is coming to the UK for the first time.
“The arena is set to be transformed for a stunning opening ceremony and we look forward to delivering a successful global conference. We are also hosting the International Business Festival, taking place in our exhibition centre at the same time.”