About the ILO
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About the ILO

International Labour Conference of the ILO
The ILO is the international organization responsible for drawing up and overseeing international labour standards. It is the only 'tripartite' United Nations agency that brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes promoting Decent Work for all. This unique arrangement gives the ILO an edge in incorporating 'real world' knowledge about employment and work.
  1. Read more on who we are

How we work

  1. The unique tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in labour standards and in shaping policies and programmes.

Mission and objectives

  1. The main aims of the ILO are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Origins and History

  1. The ILO was founded in 1919, in the wake of a destructive war, to pursue a vision based on the premise that universal, lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice. The ILO became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946.

ILO century project

  1. Sharing knowledge on ILO history

    The ILO will complete its 100 years of existence in 2019. The Century Project has been created to prepare for this anniversary by developing the knowledge of ILO's history and its role in specific historical moments.

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