Twenty-five labour inspection experts from 10 countries along with ILO officials attended the 1.5 day meeting that included presentations from ILO officials on various experiences in private compliance, in addition to five presentations on experiences from Brazil, China, Norway, Portugal and Spain. The presentations were complemented by discussions and group exercises that touched on a number of themes including: the need for a differentiated and pragmatic approach in developing and developed countries; the proper role of private initiatives with regard to compliance and enforcement; the regulation and monitoring of these initiatives; coordination with the social partners; and the role of the ILO.

As a follow up to this activity, the ILO hopes to organize an international tripartite meeting of experts before the end of 2013 (as indicated in the 2011 ILC Conclusions on labour administration and inspection). In anticipation of this tripartite meeting, LAB/ADMIN will continue to foster exchanges of relevant and innovative experiences through its network of international, regional and national labour inspectors.