GENEVA (ILO News) – Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), has urged for stronger international cooperation to address pressing global labour challenges and advance social justice worldwide.
In statements delivered at the World Bank Group / International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., Houngbo stressed the need for coordinated action to tackle unemployment, inequality, and the impacts of climate change on the world of work.
Gilbert F. Houngbo
"The complex challenges facing the global labour market require a united and collaborative approach. International cooperation is not just beneficial; it is essential for creating a more equitable and sustainable future of work," Houngbo stated in his remarks to the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee and to the joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee.
The ILO Director-General highlighted the Global Coalition for Social Justice, an ILO initiative launched in November 2023, as a key platform for collective action and advocacy for global social justice.
"With over 300 partners, including more than 85 governments and 40 international organizations, the Coalition is driving concrete actions to reduce inequalities, alleviate poverty, and advance social justice globally," he explained.
The Coalition’s ability to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders into a cohesive and transformative partnership is especially significant, given systemic inequalities and complex economic challenges facing the world today. According to the ILO’s latest projections, while the global unemployment rate is expected to be 4.9% in 2024 and 2025, the distribution of job gaps is uneven, with women and developing countries in particular facing significant challenges.
"While we see some positive trends in certain economies, labour underutilization remains pervasive globally. We must focus our collective efforts on creating quality jobs and extending social protection to all workers, particularly in developing countries," he said.
Moreover, Houngbo addressed the critical need for increased financing and investment in social protection, education, healthcare, and employment policies. He called for a renewed commitment to international development cooperation, emphasizing its role in supporting countries under financial stress.
"Official Development Assistance remains crucial, especially for African countries facing significant financing gaps in ensuring universal social protection. We urge developed countries to fulfill their commitments and scale up their assistance," Houngbo told the Committee.
Houngbo also raised the need for reform in the international financial architecture to better address today's complex challenges. He called for innovative financing tools and improved coordination with national governments, to ensure development assistance aligns with domestic priorities.
"The international community must work together to reform debt management mechanisms, ensuring they align with the long-term development needs of heavily indebted countries. This will enable nations to invest in decent work and social justice while restoring fiscal health," he explained.
"By strengthening our international cooperation and focusing on social justice, we can create a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world of work. The ILO stands ready to play its part in this crucial endeavor," Houngbo concluded.
