Statements and speeches by the ILO's Director-General
September 2023
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Statement
A time for social justice
12 September 2023
In his address at Georgetown University in Qatar ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo highlighted the pressing need for global action on social justice amid multiple crises, labour market inequalities, and technological transformations.
August 2023
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International Youth Day
Empower youth for a sustainable future
12 August 2023
On International Youth Day, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, says young people need to be equipped with skills for the green economy, so they can find decent jobs and make the world a better place for people and planet.
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SDG 8 Month: Decent work for all
Accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 8
01 August 2023
At the start of SDG 8 month, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, warns that without concerted action on the social, economic and environmental targets Goal 8 covers, humanity risks being locked in a cycle of crisis and conflict on a forever damaged planet.
July 2023
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G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting
ILO Director-general presentation on Global Employment Trends 2023
21 July 2023
In his presentation to the G20 Ministers gathered in Indore (India) on 20-21 July, Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized the need for creating policy space for decent and productive employment and social protection.
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G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting
ILO Director-general presentation on the Antalya G20 Youth Goal
21 July 2023
Findings of the ILO and OECD report on progress in 2022 towards achieving the Antalya target, to reduce the share of young people who are most at risk of being permanently left behind by 15 per cent by 2025.
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G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting, Indore, India
Presentation of the Global Employment Trends 2023 to G20 Labour ministers (Powerpoint)
21 July 2023
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G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting, Indore, India
Youth at Work in the G20: Progress towards the Antalya Goal and Policy Action in 2022 (PowerPoint Presentation)
21 July 2023
Presentation by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting Indore, 20-21 July 2023
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International Day of Cooperatives
Harness the power of cooperatives for building inclusive and resilient communities
01 July 2023
Ahead of International Day of Cooperatives, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasizes the crucial role of cooperatives in sustainable development, poverty reduction, and creating inclusive societies.
June 2023
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Just and sustainable workplace
Closing message at the National Conference of Employers in the Philippines
28 June 2023
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo addressed the National Conference of Employers on Human-Centred Transitions for a Just and Sustainable Workplace held in Manila.
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Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
MSMEs: The backbone of economies and the world of work
27 June 2023
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo's statement reaffirms the ILO's commitment to supporting Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and ensuring their resilience in the face of multiple crises, climate change, and economic uncertainties.
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Seafarer 2050 Summit
Keynote address at the Shaping the Future of Shipping – Seafarer 2050 Summit
26 June 2023
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted at the Shaping the Future of Shipping – Seafarer 2050 Summit the need for a new global social contract, including for the global maritime industry.
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Video
Recovery in Ukraine can be built on decent work and social justice
23 June 2023
On the occasion of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023, the ILO’s Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo states that "a rapid recovery is only possible if sound foundations, built on decent work and social justice, are laid now as an essential precondition for peace."
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International Day for Domestic Workers
ILO Director-General statement for International Day for Domestic Workers
16 June 2023
On the International Day for Domestic Workers, 16 June 2023, the ILO’s Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo calls upon all countries to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention, Number 189.
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Statement
Opening remarks of ILO Director-General at the World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All
14 June 2023
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World Day Against Child Labour
To bring social justice to all we must end child labour
12 June 2023
On World Day Against Child Labour, 12 June 2023, the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo calls on the international community to support greater social justice and step up the fight against child labour.
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Statement
Opening remarks by Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, at the 111th International Labour Conference
05 June 2023
May 2023
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Porto Social Forum 2023
ILO Director-General highlights the European social model as a geopolitical lever
27 May 2023
Speaking at the Porto Social Forum, the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) commended the European Union (EU) for its leading role in promoting international labour standards and the integration of occupational safety and health conventions.
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15th ETUC Congress
Statement by ILO Director-General to European Trade Union Confederation
24 May 2023
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted the urgent need for a Global Coalition for Social Justice and the critical role of the European Trade Unions in championing workers' rights, addressing inequalities, and promoting decent work amidst global crisis and technological transformations.
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75th anniversary of International Road Transport Union (IRU)
Road transport is essential for human-centred development, inclusivity and prosperity
12 May 2023
Speech by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to International Road Transport Union (IRU)’s 75th anniversary.
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Labour Day
Time to prioritize social justice
01 May 2023
ILO Director-General calls for a Global Coalition for Social Justice and a reshaping of economic, social and environmental policies to create a more stable and equitable future.