Tripartism and Social Dialogue

Since its foundation in 1919, the unique and defining characteristic of the ILO has been and continues to be tripartism. The ILO’s ongoing contribution, (including cooperation with other international organizations), will, in the future as in the past, depend on carrying out its own mandate boldly and effectively.

Declaration Concerning the Aims and Purpose of the International Labour Organization, Philadelphia, 1944

The war against want requires to be carried on with unrelenting vigor within each nation, and by continuous and concerted international effort in which the representatives of workers and employers, enjoying equal status with those of governments, join with them in free discussion and democratic decision with a view to the promotion of the common welfare.



Tripartism and social dialogue are not ends in themselves. They are tools to carry out the mission of the ILO. The role of ACTRAV is reaffirmed in the resolution concerning tripartism and social dialogue adopted at the International Labour Conference in 2002 where the Office is requested to “recognize the unique functions and roles of the Bureau of Workers’ and Employers’ Activities in the Office and strengthen their abilities to provide services to employers’ and workers’ organizations”.

ACTRAV play a pivotal role in mainstreaming tripartism and social dialogue into the technical work of the Organization. It seeks coherence between the priorities of the workers’ group and the work programme of the technical units in the Office. ACTRAV can support the technical units in their work with constituents in the field.