The Sixth Japan–ILO Annual Strategic Consultation

7 October 2025

On 22 August 2025, the Government of Japan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) held the High-Level Session of the Sixth Japan–ILO Annual Strategic Consultation at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Tokyo.

The session brought together senior officials from both sides. From Japan: Mr. Takao Ando, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare; Mr. Ryo Nakamura, Director-General for Global Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Shinichi Akiyama, Senior Assistant Minister for International Affairs, Minister’s Secretariat for International Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. From the ILO: Mr. André Bogui, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Director-General's Office; Ms. Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, Regional Director for Africa; and Mr. Peter van Rooij, Director of the Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation Department.

The consultation reaffirmed the strong partnership between Japan and the ILO, recognizing Japan’s active engagement and leadership in the International Labour Conference and the Governing Body, and its steadfast contributions to development cooperation. Discussions focused on opportunities for enhanced collaboration in three key areas: development cooperation, human resources exchange, and the ratification of conventions.

Both sides acknowledged Japan’s important contributions to the ILO, including financial support, policy engagement, and human resources. They confirmed their commitment to advancing the shared objectives of social justice, decent work, and inclusive growth.

As part of this year’s Strategic Consultation, the Human Resources Session (5 August), the Development Cooperation Session (22 August), and the International Labour Standards Session (3 October) were also held in a hybrid or online format, providing opportunities for substantive exchanges in line with direction confirmed at the High-Level Session.

From left: André Bogui, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Director-General's Office; right: Takao Ando, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Background of the Japan–ILO Annual Strategic Consultation

The Japan–ILO Annual Strategic Consultation is held under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in May 2017 between then Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Mr. Shiozaki and then ILO Director-General Mr. Guy Ryder.

Previous Annual Strategic Consultations: