The Bureau for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP) is a specialized unit within the ILO Secretariat. Its task is to maintain close and direct relations with Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) in member States, to make the ILO's resources available to them and to keep the ILO constantly aware of their views, concerns and priorities. ACT/EMP seeks to foster well-functioning EBMOs, which are important actors in shaping an environment conducive to competitive and sustainable enterprises, good governance, political and social stability, democracy and socio-economic development. ACT/EMP assists EBMOs in building strong, independent and representative organizations that respond to their members´ needs and challenges though its technical cooperation programme, which provides assistance to EBMOs in developing and transition countries.