The International Labour Organization (ILO) was founded in 1919. It was the first specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946 and has 187 member states. The ILO is committed to the promotion of human and labour rights in accordance with its founding principle, according to which social justice is indispensable for universal and lasting peace.

The ILO sets international labour standards, promotes rights in the workplace, including the right to a safe and healthy working environment, and is committed to decent work and improving social protection, as well as strengthening social dialogue on work-related issues. These goals are seen as priorities in Objective 8 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth.

The ILO has a unique administrative structure. It brings together governments and employer and employee representatives to jointly set international labour standards and implement principles and programmes that support decent work for all. Today, the ILO operates over 600 development cooperation programmes in more than 100 countries, supporting Member States and aiming to improve people’s quality of life.

The headquarters of the ILO Secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland, with a worldwide network of field offices in over 40 countries.

www.ilo.org