ILO Chief Urges Bold Reform, Social Justice Focus at 113th International Labour Conference
The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has reaffirmed the central role of the ILO’s mission in tackling today’s shifting labour landscape.
Speaking at the opening of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Houngbo emphasized that the ILO’s “normative mandate is more relevant than ever,” especially in light of economic inequality, technological changes, and global instability.
Addressing delegates from the ILO’s 187 Member States, Houngbo highlighted the importance of international labour standards in creating fair and inclusive economies.
He said the organization’s mandate must not only ensure the development and enforcement of standards but also guarantee a level playing field in a rapidly globalizing world of work.
“We can and must act with determination and consistency to promote social justice,” Houngbo stressed. “This requires a better balance between economic, social and environmental dimensions.” He underscored the ILO’s strategic role in developing integrated policies that promote sustainable development and worker protections across sectors and borders.
The Director-General also pointed to growing uncertainty in multilateralism, urging the ILO to reform in order to stay effective and efficient. He called on the institution to show courage and adaptability while resisting nostalgia for a romanticized past.
“We must look resolutely to the future,” he said, “embracing reform that strengthens our capacity to deliver meaningful change.”
Houngbo addressed concerns around global economic headwinds, including sluggish growth and rising trade tensions. He reminded delegates that employment should not be treated as a passive outcome of economic growth but must be a deliberate and strategic objective tied to inclusive development.
This year’s ILC features a robust agenda. Delegates will finalize discussions on proposed standards addressing biological hazards at work and begin the first standard-setting dialogue on decent work in the platform economy. Other agenda items include reviewing the proposed 2026–27 Programme and Budget, examining strategies to transition informal work into formality, and reviewing the application of international labour standards.
Additionally, delegates will prepare input for the upcoming 2025 Social Development Summit and consider amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention. On 12 June, the second Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum will convene, bringing together international partners and ILO constituents to reaffirm commitments to social justice.
Leadership of the 113th ILC was also confirmed, with Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare of Zimbabwe, elected as President of the Conference. He is joined by Vice-Presidents Juan Castillo (Uruguay, Governments), Hamidou Diop (Senegal, Employers), and Hédia Arfaoui (Tunisia, Workers).
The Conference runs until 13 June in Geneva and brings together workers, employers, and governments to help shape the future of work through dialogue, cooperation, and a shared commitment to social justice.
