International Labour Organization and Republic of Korea enhance partnership to support decent work and social justice

GENEVA (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of the Republic of Korea have signed a new partnership agreement, marking a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to promote decent work and social justice globally. 

The agreement was signed during the 112th International Labour Conference by the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, and the Minister of Employment and Labour of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jung Sik.

The 2024-2026 Korea-ILO Partnership Programme, will see an enhancement of cooperation across various areas with a focus on both global initiatives and specific projects within the Asia-Pacific region. 

With a significant increase in funding for the programme – USD9.15 million for the period 2024-26 up from USD4.6 million for the previous phase – the partnership underscores the Republic of Korea's growing role as a key partner in the ILO’s development cooperation programme.

Priority themes include labour market policies and employment services, including for older workers, youth employment, social protection, occupational safety and health, international labour standards, and cooperatives. The partnership also prioritizes crosscutting areas such as a just transition to a low-carbon, greener economy.

Speaking at the signing, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said, "The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast partner in our efforts to promote decent work and social justice for many years. This new phase of our partnership deepens our collaborative efforts in critical areas that are essential for achieving sustainable development."

Under the partnership, Korea will further support the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, through a global project focusing on labour market policies, including skills and social protection linkages, and macro-structural policies, including on fiscal space and structural transformation. Launched in September 2021, the initiative aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), support the creation of decent jobs and extend social protection to people who are excluded. 

“We believe the Global Accelerator is a timely and effective means to promote necessary measures through multilateral cooperation for jobs and social protection,” said Minister of Employment and Labour of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jung Sik.

The launch of this new phase of the Korea-ILO Partnership Programme comes at a crucial time, as the ILO intensifies its call for social justice on a global scale. The Government of Korea’s decision to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice further strengthens this collaboration, demonstrating a shared commitment to these essential goals.

The ILO will collaborate closely with institutions affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) to ensure the effective implementation of the Programme. This collaboration includes the engagement of seconded officials from Korea to work in key technical units at ILO to further strengthen the implementation of these initiatives.