Statements and speeches by the ILO's Director-General
March 2024
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International Women's Day
Gender equality matters for all of us
07 March 2024
In his message for International Women’s Day, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, says there is no social justice without gender equality.
February 2024
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Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C.
Advancing Decent Work and Labour Rights Globally
21 February 2024
In his keynote address to the event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, says the fight for decent work and labour rights is one that demands our urgent attention.
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World Day of Social Justice
Change must start with a focus on social justice
20 February 2024
On World Day of Social Justice, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, said there is a unique opportunity to bend the arc of history in favour of social justice and to put social needs at the same level as economic and environmental concerns.
January 2024
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ECOSOC Special Meeting
Navigating the Future of Work: A call for inclusive and sustainable solutions
23 January 2024
In his address to the ECOSOC Special Meeting on “The Future of Work: towards a productive, inclusive and sustainable global society,” ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, explains how advancing decent work and social justice are pivotal to address the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and the climate crisis.
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WESO Trends 2024
World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2024: ILO Director-General’s remarks
10 January 2024
While presenting the latest edition of the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 to the press, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo explained how growing inequalities and stagnant productivity are causes for concern.
December 2023
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Human Rights Day
75 Years of Human Rights and Labour Advocacy
10 December 2023
On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ILO Convention 87, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo calls for intensified efforts to promote and protect these rights and collectively strive for a future grounded in human dignity, freedom, and social justice.
November 2023
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16 Days of Activism
ILO Director-General Message for the elimination of gender-based violence
24 November 2023
The 16 Days of Activism Global Campaign to call for the elimination of gender-based violence runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This year’s theme is "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls".
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G20 Virtual Leaders’ Summit
ILO Director-General’s talking points to the G20 Virtual Leaders’ Summit
22 November 2023
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G20
Remarks by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to the G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) handover meeting
07 November 2023
October 2023
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349th Session of the ILO Governing Body
Opening address of the ILO Director-General to the 349th session of the Governing Body
30 October 2023
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International Day of Care and Support
ILO Director-General statement for International Day of Care and Support
29 October 2023
On the first International Day of Care and Support, the International Labour Organization calls for heavy investments in the care economy.
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Statement
ILO Director-General’s statement on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory
27 October 2023
The ILO Director-General has issued a statement on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
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21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians
ICLS Centenary Conference: ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo’s closing remarks
20 October 2023
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International Monetary Fund Committee
ILO Director-General statement to the International Monetary Fund IMFC
14 October 2023
In statements to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, the ILO’s Director-General underlined the importance of helping debt-distressed developing countries to support social protection and decent work.
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World Bank Development Committee
ILO Director-General statement to the World Bank Development Committee
12 October 2023
In statements to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, the ILO’s Director-General underlined the importance of helping debt-distressed developing countries to support social protection and decent work.
September 2023
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9th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting
ILO Director-General speech on “ Labour rights - Ensuring rights at work”
28 September 2023
Statement delivered at the meeting of BRICS nations* in Durban, South Africa. (*Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
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9th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting
ILO Director-General spotlights inequalities and labour market insecurities in speech to BRICS
28 September 2023
In his statement delivered at the opening session of the meeting of BRICS nations* in Durban, South Africa, Gilbert F. Houngbo, outlined the economic challenges facing countries worldwide. (*Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
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Human Rights 75
Social Protection, Sustainable Development, and Right to Development
25 September 2023
Statement by ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, at the Human Rights 75 - September Thematic Spotlight Discussion co organized by the ILO and the UN Human Rights Office.
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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.