Sustainable Development Goals are projected onto the UN Headquarters in New York

Multilateral system

The ILO and the UN

As the first and oldest United Nations' specialized agency, the International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes social justice in the United Nations System. The ILO collaborates actively with the other 14 specialized agencies, 23 funds, programs, research institutes, and various regional and functional commissions to address the global interconnected challenges of poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Over the years, the United Nations has undergone significant reforms to enhance greater coherence and results-oriented action at global, regional, and national levels. The most recent UN reform, launched in 2017, has improved the organization’s ability to support member states in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Our Common Agenda, launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2021, is a bold action plan and a pivotal response to current and future global challenges. It articulates a shared vision for accelerating progress on existing multilateral commitments, notably the 2030 Agenda. The ILO has been actively shaping this initiative, contributing to key milestones including the Summit of the Future in 2024 and the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.

United Nations / ILO Partnership. December 2023 - PDF 378.53 KB