Labour, Economic Affairs, Science

International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) ,founded in 1919 under the League of Nations, is the first specialized UN agency. Its mission is to promote social justice, decent work, and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It is unique as a tripartite body, bringing together governments, employers, and workers from 187 member states to create and monitor labour standards, develop policies, and implement programs that support decent work worldwide.

The ILO’s main bodies include:
•    The International Labour Conference , which sets global labour standards;
•    The Governing Body, which determines policy and budget;
•    The International Labour Office, the secretariat that carries out ILO activities.

Τhe current Director-General, since 2022, has been Gilbert F. Houngbo, the first African to lead the ILO. Among other priorities, he focuses on the creationof a Global Coalition for Social Justice, which now includes over 80 countries and 300 partners. Greece is already a member of the Global Coalition.

The 112th International Labour Conference (June 2024) addressed issues such as workers’ rights, climate change, biological hazards, and the care economy. It also held the inaugural forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice and elected the new Governing Body (2024–27). Greece actively participated in the conference.

The Permanent Mission of Greece in Geneva maintains close cooperation with the ILO, while primary responsibility for ILO-related matters lies with the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.