Panelists on the dais at the project launch event

Launch of India Component and Technical Workshop for “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II)”

The ILO launched its new project, which will promote Responsible Business Conduct through capacity building of enterprises and enhanced tripartite dialogue and collaboration for strengthening an enabling environment.

New Delhi, INDIA (ILO News): ILO organized the Launch of India component and Technical Workshop for its new project “Building Responsible Value Chains in Asia through the Promotion of Decent Work in Business Operations (Phase II)” on 20 November 2024 in New Delhi.

The event brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Employers’ organizations and Workers’ organizations, Embassy of Japan in India, and relevant stakeholders working in the area of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC). It provided an opportunity to introduce the new project, its objectives and how it will contribute to realise the Decent Work Country Programme in India. It also introduced the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration), a framework for action for project, which provides guidance and recommendations to governments, social partners and enterprises in the areas of RBC and human rights due diligence (HRDD). The event also highlighted some case studies from enterprises on how in practice RBC and HRDD could be operationalized in workplace, based on the findings from the ILO-JETRO report from Phase I of the project.

Men and women standing together at the dais — Tripartite constituents and stakeholders at the launch of the ILO project

The workshop was inaugurated by Ms Michiko Miyamoto, Director, Decent Work Team for South Asia and Country Office for India, Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, and Mr Takashi Ariyoshi, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in India.

“By fostering an environment where ethical, transparent, and sustainable practices are the norm, we send a powerful message to potential investors and trade partners: that India is committed to sustainable growth and long-term value creation; while for workers it signals a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive”, said Ms Miyamoto.

The tripartite panel discussion was also held to discuss the importance and relevance of RBC and HRDD on labour dimensions: what needs to be done and how to promote decent work in India.