ILO promotes responsible business conduct and growth of businesses in Ecuador

Quito – In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Government of Ecuador and the private sector have joined forces to revive the hardest-hit sectors in Ecuador through the implementation of methodologies promoting productive, responsible and sustainable enterprises.

In 2021, the ILO SCORE Training was successfully implemented in the manufacturing and services sectors in Ecuador. 14 SCORE Trainers conducted trainings in 16 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In 2022, a second round of SCORE Trainings were implemented in four regions with a focus on the hospitality and tourism sector. This was within the framework of the the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights of Ecuador, promoted by the Responsible Business Conduct for Latin America and the Caribbean (RBCLAC) project and financed by the European Union. The trainings, both virtual and face-to-face, were conducted in 32 SMEs benefitting over 600 workers.

Ecuador currently has 23 certified SCORE Trainers who continue to provide trainings and support to small businesses across sectors. Olga Orozco, head of the RBCLAC project, highlights that "ILO SCORE is a global programme, which underscores the relationship between responsible business conduct, productivity and decent work".

Currently, the ILO Andean Office is in talks to collaborate with the Ministry of Production to continue implementing SCORE methodology. Bilateral agreements will be signed between the Ministry, Chambers and other key representatives that are leading crucial work on this.