The Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal was launched on 15 October, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC) and International Labour Organization Country Office for Nepal (ILO).

By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ILO and tripartite constituents confirmed their intentions to continue collaboration on two country priorities: enabling decent work for all through sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic growth and strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing social dialogue and applying fundamental conventions and other international labour standards. These are closely aligned with Nepal’s development priorities as set out in the Fourteenth Plan Three-Year plan (2017-2019) and the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Thanking the ILO for leading the process, Mahesh Prasad Dahal, Secretary of MoLESS, emphasized on the importance of job creation. He said, “Job creation is an important aspect of economic growth. However, ensuring that the job is decent is equally important to ensure a livelihood of quality and dignity for millions of people in Nepal.” Further, he also recognized the need for a forum for social dialogue in order to improve labour relations especially in the context of federalization where communication with all three sphere of the government - the federal, provincial and local - has become important.

Speaking on behalf of workers’ organizations, Bishwanath Pyakurel, President of JTUCC, called for the need of implementation of laws for improvement in labour conditions. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Vice-President of FNCCI, pointed out that although labour relations have improved with time, “this MoU will further aid in improving labour relations and conditions.”

The Director of ILO Country Office for Nepal, Richard Howard, applauded the exemplary collaboration amongst the government and social partners for addressing labour issues in Nepal and thanked the ILO constituents for their valuable input during the DWCP formulation.  He emphasized on the need for social dialogue to promote decent work which he stated was necessary for “growth and a growth that is fair.” He called for the need of commitment from all constituents to work together.

The DWCP, which covers the period of 2018-2022, will be the guiding document for the ILO and its social partners in organizing interventions to promote decent work in Nepal.