About the Branch

The Employment, Labour Markets and Youth Branch (EMPLAB) is part of the Employment Policy Department (EMPLOYMENT) of the ILO. EMPLOYMENT promotes full, productive and freely chosen employment through inclusive and sustainable policies designed to enhance the labour market outcomes of economic growth and investment.

EMPLAB specialises in gender-responsive employment and labour market policies for all, with a particular focus on youth. It advocates for more and better jobs at global, regional and national levels. It promotes research and builds knowledge on employment and labour market policies, including in the context of crises and the future of work. It supports constituents in developing integrated employment policy frameworks, facilitates tripartite policy dialogue on employment promotion, and promotes policy implementation by strengthening relevant labour market institutions and the capacities of national stakeholders. Furthermore, it leads the ILO’s work on youth employment.

The Branch works with governments, social partners and ILO field offices in the formulation and execution of employment generation interventions as components of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) and Common Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, in particular Goal 8.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and preparing for a job-rich recovery, the Branch is focusing on assessing the effects of the pandemic on employment and labour markets, and supporting efforts to promote a gender-responsive and job-rich recovery inclusive of all, especially of those most vulnerable, such as women and youth.

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