Young Asian women and men work together in a start up office

Region portal

Asia and the Pacific

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Asia and the Pacific is one of the most diverse regions of the world. The population of more than four billion people includes some of the wealthiest countries on earth as well as two-thirds of the world’s poor.

In recent years the region has faced challenges that have seriously tested its social-economic infrastructure, not least the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the tectonic shifts in the world of work brought about by drivers such as digitization, migration and climate change generate new challenges.

The ILO works with its members in the region to deal with these and other issues. Institution building, policy support and local economic development play a critical role in social and economic progress. Respect for fundamental principles and rights at work helps to ensure that all sections of society benefit.

Significant challenges remain, including increasing productive and decent employment opportunities, providing adequate social protection, and responding to crises such as the COVID pandemic. Other key issues include human trafficking, forced labour and child labour, the informal economy, migration, poverty alleviation, safety and health in the workplace, equality and inclusion as well as skills, employability and youth employment.

Latest news and stories

Inclusive policies and social dialogue key to navigating AI transformation in Asian labour markets
Regional Policy Dialogue 2026

Employment promotion and South-South cooperation

Inclusive policies and social dialogue key to navigating AI transformation in Asian labour markets

Thai trade unions strengthen their role to promote a safe and healthy working environment
Thai workers are welding in a workshop in Songkhla Province.

Occupational safety and health

Thai trade unions strengthen their role to promote a safe and healthy working environment

Events

Regional Policy Dialogue: Harnessing AI to Build Employment-Friendly Labour Markets in China and ASEAN

Policy dialogue

Regional Policy Dialogue: Harnessing AI to Build Employment-Friendly Labour Markets in China and ASEAN

Publications and documents

Diagnostic review of working conditions and social security coverage of digital platform workers in Cambodia

Diagnostic review of working conditions and social security coverage of digital platform workers in Cambodia

Resources on International Labour Standards

Resources

Resources on International Labour Standards

Projects and programmes

Improving resilience in the fisheries and aquaculture supply chains in Region XII of the Philippines

Improving resilience in the fisheries and aquaculture supply chains in Region XII of the Philippines

Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains in Malaysia (RISSC Phase II, Malaysia)

Supply Chains, Responsible Business Conduct

Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Supply Chains in Malaysia (RISSC Phase II, Malaysia)

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Group with hands together symbolizing collaboration, teamwork, partnership and goals
Development Cooperation Dashboard

Development Cooperation Dashboard

The dashboard offers interactive visualizations of ILO development cooperation projects across Asia and the Pacific

Asia-Pacific labour market insights

Did you know that, at 44 hours per week, workers in Asia-Pacific work the longest hours globally?
Elderly worker sells fruits.

Did you know that, at 44 hours per week, workers in Asia-Pacific work the longest hours globally?

Learn more from the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

The Regional Office in Bangkok supports work in 36 member countries, from Afghanistan to the Pacific Islands and from Mongolia to New Zealand. Two teams of decent work specialists, based in Bangkok and New Delhi, provide a range of technical services and expertise that support work throughout the region and provide assistance to the ILO’s constituents - governments, workers' and employers’ organizations. In addition, there are country, liaison or project offices in 22 countries in the region.

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Contact

ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
United Nations Building, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue
Bangkok 10200
Thailand

Tel: +662 288 1234
Fax: +662 280 1735
Email: [email protected]

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