International Labour Organization

ILO past, present and future

The ILO’s new multimedia, interactive Centenary website is now live! Click here to let us take you on a journey through the ILO’s past present and future – from its founding back in 1919, to major historical events, to the conventions and programmes that have affected all our lives.
We’ll be rolling out new chapters in the course of the next two months on ilo.org/100 as we celebrate 100 years of advancing social justice and promoting decent work.
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The ILO Centenary – Why it matters to us all

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder marks the start of the ILO’s second Century of service to the world of work by recalling its first 100 years and pointing to the challenges that face us all in shaping the future of work we want.
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© ILO

Responding to globalization: The Decent Work Agenda

As the ILO turns 100, we look at some of the key events that shaped the organization’s story. The introduction of the Decent Work Agenda at the turn of the century was one such milestone.
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Working on the river of the White Lily

During the 100 years of the ILO some extraordinary people have worked for the Organization. One of them was Peter Goullart who, during the 1950s helped develop co-operatives in several countries in Asia. He recounted his experiences in a book, ‘River of the White Lily’ published in 1965.
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Green jobs: The key to sustainable development

By making our work greener, we can build a better, more sustainable future for women and men around the world. The ILO defines green jobs as good for the environment, good for the economy and good.

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Artworks brings together artists to raise awareness, promote fundamental rights and advocate for social change on world of work issues.