Employment policy
Palau validates its first National Employment Policy to promote decent work and inclusive growth
New policy aims to build an inclusive and resilient labour market for all in Palau
19 March 2025
Koror, Palau (ILO NEWS) - Palau has taken an important step towards advancing decent work and inclusive economic development with the validation of the draft of its first-ever National Employment Policy (NEP). The policy is designed to drive progress in areas such as skills development, employment conditions and labour market inclusivity.
A validation workshop held in Koror on 17-18 March 2025, organized in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), brought together key stakeholders to review and endorse the final draft of the NEP. Participants included representatives from government ministries and agencies, employers' and workers’ organizations, and civil society.
The NEP aims to tackle pressing employment challenges in Palau and will be implemented through an action plan to ensure tangible results. The policy aligns with national development priorities and global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the workshop, Honourable Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister for Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, underscored the importance of national ownership: “This is our policy, and it will serve as a vital framework to coordinate efforts towards achieving decent work for everyone in Palau.”
Christian Viegelahn, ILO Employment Specialist, highlighted the collaborative nature and broad impact of the initiative: “This policy brings all actors together – it is a critical step forward and with its action plan, can be a key instrument to generate positive change for the people of Palau.”
The NEP is expected to be formally adopted later in 2025, representing a key milestone in Palau’s policy landscape.
The development of the policy has been supported by the ILO and funded by the Joint SDG Fund through the Joint Programme on Accelerating SDG Achievement through Digital Transformation to Strengthen Community Resilience in Micronesia.