TOKYO (ILO News) – The ILO and The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) have signed an agreement to promote decent work in the preparations for, and operation of the international sporting event.

“Through this partnership we are committing together to uphold respect for international labour standards for all the women and men who will work hard to make the Games a reality in 2020,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, as he and Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Muto, for his part, highlighted the Tokyo 2020 vision: “Sport has the power to change the world and our future,” adding that “mutual cooperation between Tokyo 2020 and the ILO will bring positive reform in realizing Decent Work, which will be a legacy for the future.”

The partnership will encourage the enterprises to play a positive role in promoting decent work through Corporate Social Responsibility. Collaborative activities will include:

• Awareness-raising on the labour dimension of corporate social responsibility
• Dissemination of examples of good practices among delivery partners
• Seminars and workshops to enhance the capacity of delivery partners in advancing decent work
• Disseminating tools to help delivery partners implement socially responsible labour practices.

“The ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy will guide us in encouraging the positive contribution businesses can make to inclusive and sustainable development while avoiding negative impacts on human and labour rights,” Ryder said.

Decent Work – work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity – is included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with SDG 8 calling for “sustained, inclusive and sustainable growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) for its part calls for the protection of employees, volunteers and contractors engaged by the Olympic Movement. The IOC’s Sustainability Strategy requires organising committees to ensure that working environments are safe and healthy.