111th ILO Annual Conference
The 111th annual International Labour Conference took place from 5-16 June 2023 at the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the International Labour Organisation brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all everyone. This year the conference closed with the adoption of a new recommendation on quality apprenticeships aimed at supporting “opportunities for people of all ages to skill, reskill and upskill continuously” in rapidly changing labour markets. It provides a clear definition of apprenticeships, specifies aspirational standards for quality apprenticeships, including rights and protection for apprentices. The full report can be found here.
In addition, the conclusions of the General Discussion Committee on a Just Transition were adopted. They stressed the imperative need to advance a just transition to achieve social justice, eradicate poverty and support decent work. Delegates endorsed the ILO Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies as a basis for action and the central reference for policymaking.
Delegates also adopted the conclusions of the Recurrent Discussion Committee on Labour Protection . The adopted resolution charts a way forward towards more inclusive, adequate and effective labour protection for all workers, and creates a basis for developing a plan of action.
Other highlights from the conference include:
- The approving of the report of the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAN) , which is a core supervisory body of the ILO’s standards system. The CAS examined 24 individual country cases related to the observance of ILO Conventions.
- The consideration of the Committee of Experts’ General Survey on Achieving gender equality at work . In their Outcome of the discussion, the tripartite members of the Committee highlighted the urgent need to eliminate all forms of discrimination in employment and occupation, guarantee full and effective maternity protection and ensure the right of workers with family responsibilities to engage in employment.
- The registration of 13 ratifications of International Labour Conventions, mainly in respect of the recently adopted convention against violence and harassment in the world of work (C190) and conventions concerning occupational and safety and health.
- The adoption of the ILO Programme and Budget for 2024/25 . The document and resolution reaffirmed the commitment expressed by all the ILO’s tripartite constituents to “combat all forms of discrimination and exclusion on any ground for the benefit of all”, while recognizing the “different positions expressed on some issues”.
- Sixteen Heads of State and Government, as well as representatives of other UN and multilateral bodies and workers and employers organizations, attended a high-level World of Work Summit, held between 14 and 15 June under the theme of “Social Justice for All”. Participants discussed a range of social justice issues including the proposal for a Global Coalition for Social Justice. High level panels looked at inequalities and informality, creating equal opportunities, lifelong learning and skills development, social protection, and the ways to advance trade, sustainable development, and human and labour rights.
- On 12 June the conference marked World Day Against Child Labour. At a time when child labour rates are increasing, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, called on the international community to support greater social justice and step up the fight against child labour.
