Azerbaijan moves toward strengthened social dialogue with ILO support

BAKU (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Tripartite Commission for Social and Economic Affairs of Azerbaijan and with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, has taken important steps to enhance social dialogue in the country through a focused two-day seminar and institutional assessment on 15-16 May 2025.

The mission was carried out with the support of the ILO, which works with member States to strengthen institutions for social dialogue. The ILO delegation worked closely with representatives of the Government, the National Confederation of Employers’ Organizations and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Azerbaijan. This inclusive approach reflects Azerbaijan’s long-standing commitment to tripartism and its ratification of the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144).

The tripartite workshop’s Opening Session was addressed by Mr. Fuad Heydarov, Director of the Labour Policy Department in the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population (MoLSPP), Mr. Vugar Zeynalov, Vice President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs Organizations (ASK), and Mr. Jamaladdin Guliyev, Advisor to the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation (AHIK). All three speakers, who are members of the Tripartite Commission, expressed full support for the workshop and for an open and critical self-evaluation exercise. Notably, each encouraged participants to consider broadening the Commission’s competencies and membership to enhance its effectiveness and inclusivity, emphasizing that there are “no limits to further improvement.”

© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Over the course of the seminar, the tripartite constituents took part in a structured self-assessment using the ILO’s Self-Assessment Methodology for Social Dialogue Institutions (SAM-SDI). The exercise focused on identifying strengths, gaps and opportunities in the existing functioning of the Tripartite Commission and its Secretariat. Discussions touched upon legal frameworks, internal rules and procedures, institutional memory, technical support capacities, and the role of the Commission in shaping public policy.

The preliminary findings highlighted both the historical relevance of the Commission and the potential to further develop its operations, especially regarding internal procedures, transparency, and public communication strategies. Participants emphasized the importance of reinforcing the Secretariat’s role, improving the regularity and effectiveness of meetings, and ensuring that the Commission contributes meaningfully to labour and socio-economic policymaking.

One of the key outcomes of the seminar is the agreement to establish a dedicated tripartite working group under the Commission’s structure. This group will be responsible for finalizing the self-assessment and developing a targeted action plan aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the Commission and increasing its practical impact. The action plan is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025.

The ILO welcomed the strong engagement of all parties involved and reiterated its commitment to providing continued technical support to Azerbaijan in its efforts to strengthen national social dialogue mechanisms in line with international standards.

This collaboration marks a new milestone in Azerbaijan’s journey to deepen dialogue, promote decent work, and foster inclusive socio-economic development.