Norway expands partnership agreement with the International Labour Organization

GENEVA (ILO News) – The Government of Norway has significantly expanded its partnership agreement with the International Labour Organization (ILO) with a new grant of NOK 100 million (approximately US$18 million) for 2008-09.

The Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Juan Somavia, signed the new agreement with the Minister of Environment and International Development of Norway, Mr. Erik Solheim at a ceremony at an International Conference on Decent Work in Oslo today.

Mr. Somavia recognized the already long standing commitment of Norway to the ILO and said that “the values and principles that Norway has long stood for – solidarity, fairness, respect for others and a commitment to dialogue are well reflected in the activities we will carry out under this agreement”.

The 2008 ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization will guide the allocation of resources under the Partnership towards the implementation of the Decent Work Agenda.

The new programme will promote fundamental rights at work, including freedom of association, collective bargaining and the elimination of child labour, gender equality, social dialogue, coherent economic and social policies in support of decent work, and strengthening labour inspection.

The new funds represent an increase by more than 40 per cent compared to the 2006-07 programme, expanding an already existing partnership allocation of NOK 70 million (approximately US$12.6 million).

Out of Norway’s total contribution of NOK 100 million for the period 2008-09 (approximately US$18 million), 50 per cent will be allocated for activities related to gender under the Regular Budget Supplementary Account (RBSA). Norway’s contribution started with the alleviation of child labour and social dialogue in 2003, and expanded to add gender mainstreaming and policy coherence in 2006.

For the period of 2004-2007, Norway was the third largest donor of the ILO, providing an extra-budgetary contribution to ILO programmes and projects of more than US$40 million.

For more information, contact Donor Relations, Department of Partnerships and Development Cooperation, Secretariat +4122/799-7309, Fax: +4122/799-6872, E-mail: codev@ilo.org.