How the ILO is redefining refugee livelihoods and advancing host community development

Podcast description:

This episode traces the ILO’s long history of engagement in displacement contexts, from its early work in the aftermath of the World Wars to its leadership today in promoting decent work for refugees and host community members. Nick Grisewood explains how the Syrian crisis, the New York Declaration, and the Global Compact on Refugees shaped the ILO’s renewed involvement and laid the foundation for the PROSPECTS Programme.

At the heart of the discussion is the importance of labour market inclusion. Nick outlines how PROSPECTS brings together humanitarian and development actors, host governments, and the private sector to support more inclusive economies and societies. By addressing barriers such as work permit bottlenecks, skills mismatch, and onerous business registration procedures, the programme supports refugees and host communities to access sustainable livelihoods, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to national development.

(Produced by ILO PROSPECTS, with support from consultants Tom Netter and Philip Staercke)