Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) are the main cooperation framework through which the ILO provides support to its member countries. They allow the ILO’s own overriding strategic goal – the promotion of Decent Work for All – to be aligned with the national social and economic development priorities of different countries, so helping individual states move towards making decent work a reality in ways that are appropriate for them.

DWCPs work in two complimentary ways. They promote decent work as a key element of economic, social and environmental policies and national development strategies. At the same time they create a framework through which the ILO’s knowledge, tools and advocacy can be put at the service of our tripartite constituents, to advance the decent work agenda.

DWCPs can be seen as the expression of the ILO Programme and Budget in a country and use Results-Based Management to define specific targets and goals, and ensure the effective use of resources. As part of this, strategic partnerships are specifically encouraged. The DWCPs also contribute to the achievement of the priorities identified in the broader UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

The ILO’s unique tripartite structure – bringing together Governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations - and its expertise in promoting social dialogue, play a vital role in ensuring that DWCPs are coherent, relevant, and accepted as the platform for cooperation between the ILO and its constituents and other key stakeholders.