All Director-General statements

75th anniversary of International Road Transport Union (IRU)

Road transport is essential for human-centred development, inclusivity and prosperity

Speech by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to International Road Transport Union (IRU)’s 75th anniversary.

Labour Day

Time to prioritize social justice

ILO Director-General calls for a Global Coalition for Social Justice and a reshaping of economic, social and environmental policies to create a more stable and equitable future.

Statement

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization - Time to prioritize social justice

May 1st is widely known as Labour Day, a day when we celebrate the contribution of workers worldwide. It is a moment for pride, celebration and hope.

Director-General statement for the 100th anniversary of the ILO’s Office in Japan

G7 Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting 2023

Enhancing work engagement and promoting decent work

Speech by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting held in Kurashiki, Japan (Session 6).

G7 Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting

Developing an inclusive labour market: Focus on women and youth

Intervention by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting held in Kurashiki, Japan (Session 4).

Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

ILO Director-General statement to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC)

Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

ILO Director-General statement to the Development Committee

UN 2023 Water Conference

How to accelerate progress towards universal access to safe water

ILO Director-General and Chair of UN Water, Gilbert F. Houngbo, has commended the adoption of the Water Action Agenda at the landmark UN 2023 Water Conference in New York. The Agenda aims to tackle the growing global water crisis by mainstreaming...

Reply by the Director General to the debate on the Programme and Budget proposals for 2024–25 (Thursday 16 March 2023)

Opening address of the Director-General to the 347th ILO Governing Body and presentation of Programme and Budget proposals for 2024–25

LDC5 Conference in Qatar

ILO Director-General says more investment needed for least-developed countries

World Day of Social Justice

The world needs a strong and sustained dose of social justice

In a statement for World Day of Social Justice, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo calls for a global momentum to contribute to the reduction and prevention of inequalities.

International Migrants Day

Make fair labour migration a reality

The International community must do better to ensure the world’s 169 million migrant workers are able to realize their basic human and labour rights, says ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, in a message released for International Migrants Day.

5th ITUC World Congress

ILO Director-General calls for policies that support equity and social justice

Addressing the 5th World Congress of the International Trade Union Confederation in Melbourne, Gilbert F. Houngbo called for a Global Coalition for Social Justice to prioritize social justice in policy making and tackle multiple crises that are...

Director-General’s opening address to the 346th Session of the ILO Governing Body

Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

Countries face daunting policy landscape amid rising inequalities, says ILO

ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo has told the joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee that increased social investment and strong social dialogue are imperative for a recovery that delivers sustainability, equity and lasting peace.

Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the IMF

ILO calls for universal social protection, wage support for low income households

In a statement to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo highlighted the need to support low income households through increases in minimum wages and social protection benefits.

World teachers day

The transformation of education begins with teachers

Joint Message from Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General, International Labour Organization, Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF, Mr David Edwards, General Secretary, Education...

Address by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo during the ceremony for transfer of office