ILO Director-General’s visit to Cabo Verde: Renewed momentum for social justice and tripartite dialogue
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo strengthens cooperation on decent work, youth and social dialogue during his mission.
27 May 2025
PRAIA (ILO News) – The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, undertook an official visit to Cabo Verde – the first-ever visit of an ILO Director-General to the country, on 23 and 24 May, during which he reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to advancing social justice, decent work and tripartite social dialogue.
The visit is part of a series of strategic engagements by the Director-General across the African continent, aimed at promoting the Global Coalition for Social Justice – of which Cabo Verde is already a member – and deepening collaboration with ILO’s tripartite constituents.
The Director-General met with José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, to discuss public policies to counter extreme poverty, support youth employability and promote social dialogue as a tool for national cohesion and sustainable development.
He also met with the President of the Republic, José Maria Neves, who praised the ILO’s action and reaffirmed Cabo Verde’s strong commitment to the Decent Work Agenda, social justice and the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
“Cabo Verde is a strategic partner in building a future grounded in dignity, solidarity and decent employment for all,” stated Director-General Houngbo.
The Director-General also took part in an extraordinary session of the Social Concertation Council, during which he underscored the importance of inclusive and context-responsive social dialogue in tackling the country’s socio-economic challenges.
In a meeting with Fernando Elísio Freire, Minister of State for Family, Inclusion and Social Development, the Director-General discussed extending social protection coverage, addressing youth migration, formalizing the informal economy and strengthening professional integration strategies.
The ILO Director-General also met with representatives from the Barlavento and Sotavento Chambers of Commerce to discuss the role of the private sector in fostering decent work and creating an enabling environment for responsible investment. In addition, he held consultations with the country’s two main trade union confederations – the União Nacional dos Trabalhadores de Cabo Verde and the Central Sindical and the Confederação Cabo-Verdiana dos Sindicatos Livres– reiterating the critical role of social dialogue in ensuring peace and equity.
The ILO head also gave a lecture at the University of Cabo Verde, which brought together members of government, parliamentarians, social partners, civil society representatives, and students. In his remarks, he emphasized the transformative role of education, youth engagement and civic participation in building a more just and inclusive future.
