ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, 2019

A roadmap for a human-centred future

The world of work is experiencing transformative change, driven by technological innovations, demographic shifts, climate change and globalization. In response to these challenges and to mark 100 years since the ILO’s founding, a Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work was adopted in 2019 at the 108th session of the International Labour Conference.


  1. The Declaration's “human-centred approach” focuses on three areas of action:

    • Increasing investment in people’s capabilities
    • Increasing investment in the institutions of work
    • Increasing investment in decent and sustainable work

    These reflect the key recommendations outlined in the report of the Global Commission on the Future of Work published in January 2019.

  1. The Declaration calls on all Member States to:

    • Ensure all people benefit from the changing world of work
    • Ensure the continued relevance of the employment relationship
    • Ensure adequate protection for all workers
    • Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment and decent work
    • It also sets priorities for the ILO’s work, as outlined in its Programme and Budget

  1. The ILO’s mandate

    The Declaration draws inspiration from the ILO’s founding principles to renew the social justice mandate and reinvigorate the ILO to shape a future of decent work for all.