International Labour Organization

On October 1, 2022, Gilbert F. Houngbo of Togo assumed office as the 11th Director‑General of the ILO, becoming the first African to lead the organization. His mandate emphasizes advancing social justice, reducing inequalities and discrimination in the world of work, and strengthening multilateral coordination.

In 2008, the ILO adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization, reinforcing its commitment to social justice in the context of globalization. The declaration underscored the organization’s role in ensuring that economic integration benefits all workers, promoting decent work through fair globalization.

In 1998, the ILO adopted the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This landmark declares that all member states, regardless of whether they have ratified relevant conventions, must uphold principles of freedom of association, collective bargaining, elimination of forced labour, abolition of child labour, and non-discrimination at work.

On December 10, 1969, the ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its longstanding efforts to promote peace among classes by improving working conditions, advancing social justice, and providing technical assistance to developing nations. The award marked a significant global acknowledgment of the ILO’s impact.

In 1946, following the dissolution of the League of Nations, the ILO became the first specialized agency of the newly formed United Nations. This transition cemented its role within the post-war multilateral system and broadened its capacity to shape global labour policy.

On May 10, 1944, during World War II, delegates at the International Labour Conference adopted the Declaration of Philadelphia, annexed to the ILO Constitution. This landmark document reaffirmed the core principles that “labour is not a commodity” and that freedom of association and economic security are essential, shaping the ILO’s post-war mission.

With the outbreak of World War II and threats to Switzerland’s neutrality, the ILO’s operational center was temporarily moved to Montreal, Canada, in May 1940. This relocation allowed the organization to continue its work uninterrupted during the war years, demonstrating resilience in the face of global conflict.

In 1934, the United States formally became a member of the ILO. Although it had helped in the founding, U.S. decision-makers had delayed joining; its accession marked a significant expansion in the organization’s membership and influence amid global economic turmoil during the Great Depression.

In 1926, the ILO established the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations—a body of independent jurists responsible for supervising how member states implement ILO standards. This supervisory mechanism became central to ensuring accountability and advancing the effectiveness of international labour law.

In the summer of 1920, the ILO relocated its headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland, aligning itself with the League of Nations’ seat. This move established Geneva as the permanent base for the ILO’s International Labour Office, where it began issuing conventions and recommendations across key labour issues.

In November 1919, the first session of the International Labour Conference was held, convening representatives of governments, employers, and workers for the first time to discuss international labour standards. It resulted in the adoption of six landmark conventions dealing with hours of work in industry, unemployment, maternity protection, night work for women, minimum age, and night work for young persons—laying the foundation for global labour norms.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was established on April 11, 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that concluded World War I. It was created to promote social justice as an essential basis for universal and lasting peace. The ILO's Constitution was incorporated into Part XIII of the Treaty, and the organization was given a tripartite structure bringing together governments, employers, and workers. The founding occurred in Paris during the negotiations that shaped the post-war international order.