BUENOS AIRES (ILO News) – The ILO Director-General Guy Ryder has concluded a two-day visit to Argentina during which he met with President Alberto Fernández and representatives of the Argentine government and employers’ and workers’ organizations.

During his visit Ryder took part in an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ILO office in Argentina, which was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Production and Labor, the Argentine Industrial Union (UIA), the General Confederation of Labor (CGT ), and more than 300 other guests.

The Director-General met the new Argentine President, Alberto Fernández, accompanied by his new Labor Minister, Claudio Moroni, on Monday.

“Argentina can count on the ILO for collaboration in building a future of work with social justice,” said Ryder during his visit.

Following references to situations of social unrest in media interviews held in the Argentine capital, the Director-General commented that "a common denominator in these situations is the search for more social justice.…People want more justice and access to decent jobs."

“The most important story is the one that is not yet written, it is the future we have to build together. That is why the ILO decided to dedicate its Centenary this year to the future of work and I am very happy that Argentina has committed to this agenda,” said the Director-General.

Speaking at the 50th anniversary events, Ryder recalled that, "Argentina was there at the beginning of the ILO, it was one of the 42 founding members" in 1919.

"From the first day, the first year and the first international conference, the prominence of Argentina in the ILO has been noted. It has always been an important actor in the life of our organization," he said, adding that he was "very proud of the role our office has played here" and asked those attending the celebration to think about the next challenges.

As part of the official activities, government representatives of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires legislature met the Director-General to declare him a guest of honour. Ryder received this distinction from lawmakers Claudio Heredia, Carolina Estebarena and Carlos Tomada, along with the Undersecretary of Production and Labor of the city of Buenos Aires, Ezequiel Jarvis.