BUDAPEST (ILO News) – The Government of the Czech Republic and the International Labour Organization (ILO), signed a new multi-year partnership agreement at a ceremony in Prague.

The agreement, signed by Czech Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Michaela Marksová and ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, represents a renewed commitment to ILO development projects related to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It places emphasis on contributions to poverty eradication through economic growth and permanent improvement of economic and social conditions for those living in poverty in developing countries.

Mr. Ryder recognized the ongoing commitment of the Czech Republic to humanitarian and development assistance and said “the ILO welcomes this new agreement, which reflects our shared commitment to inclusive growth, decent work and the 2030 Agenda more broadly. We look forward to continuing and expanding this partnership and sharing good practice from the Czech experience.”

Ms. Marksová emphasized the Czech Republic’s support for the role of the ILO in the new 2030 Agenda and highlighted the importance of the ILO future of work initiative for her country and for Europe.

The Czech Republic has been a resource partner of the ILO since 2005. The first Partnership Cooperation Agreement with the ILO was signed in 2007, with the aim of supporting the realization of the then Millennium Development Goals.

Since 2005, the Czech Republic financed seven projects in Moldova, Serbia and Mongolia on labour market policies, labour migration, social dialogue, skills for persons with disabilities and inclusion of disadvantaged youth in the labour market.