All Director-General statements

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

For a future of work not only smarter, but also safer and healthier

On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the ILO Director-General calls to harness technology to create safer, healthier workplaces – while ensuring innovation protects workers' rights and well-being.

World Bank / IMF Annual Meetings

ILO Director-General statement to the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee and to the joint World Bank-IMF Development...

Statement

ILO Director-General opening address to the 353rd Governing Body

In his opening address at the 353rd ILO Governing Body session, the Director-General emphasized the changing geopolitical landscape, the rising challenges for multilateralism, and the ILO’s role in promoting social justice.

International Women's Day

It’s time to recognize and value all women’s work

From homes to hospitals, fields to factories, women are the backbone of our societies and economies. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized. In this International Women’s Day message, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo underscores the...

World Day of Social Justice

Social Justice is within our reach, says ILO Director-General

On the World Day of Social Justice, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo calls for ambition, cooperation, and action to promote and safeguard social justice in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Video

The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) contributes to a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world

In a statement delivered for the 2025 Mont Blanc Meeting on the social and solidarity economy (SSE), ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo underlines the increasing global recognition of the transformative potential of the SSE and highlights the...

International Year of Cooperatives

Cooperatives build a better World

In a statement delivered for the launch of the UN Second International Year of Cooperatives ILO Director-General highlights the vital role of cooperatives in fostering inclusive" sustainable development and calls for strengthened global support to...

Convention C190

Safe world of work: A smart investment, a moral imperative

On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo addresses a global crisis: millions across continents face violence and harassment at work daily. But change is possible through...

International Day for Care and Support

Caring for those who care for us: ILO Director-General message

On this International Day for Care and Support, the ILO’s Director-General calls for policies and systems to protect care workers, most of whom are women, by improving their working conditions of all care workers and ensuring they have equal access...

World Bank / IMF Annual Meetings

ILO Director-General statement to the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee and to the joint World Bank-IMF Development...

Video

Cooperatives are at the heart of social justice and sustainable solutions

ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, issued a statement for the 2024 International Day of Cooperatives, emphasizing the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All”.

World Day Against Child Labour

ILO Director-General calls for ending child labour

Marking the 25th anniversary of Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour, the only universally ratified ILO convention, the ILO Director-General underscores the need to make ending child labour a central goal of economic and social policies.

112th International Labour Conference

Opening address by ILO Director-General at the Special Sitting on the Situation of Workers of the Occupied Arab Territories

Opening address of Director-General at the 112th International Labour Conference

ILO Director-General reaffirms importance of the Declaration of Philadelphia for Social Justice

On the 80th anniversary of the Declaration of Philadelphia, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo underscores its enduring relevance in advocating for social justice, human rights, and solidarity as a basis for sustainable and lasting peace.

World Bank / IMF Spring Meetings

ILO Director-General statement to the International Monetary and Financial Committee and to the joint World Bank-IMF Development Committee

International Women's Day

Gender equality matters for all of us

In his message for International Women’s Day, ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, says there is no social justice without gender equality.

Opening address of the Director-General of the ILO to the 350th Session of the Governing Body

Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C.

Advancing Decent Work and Labour Rights Globally

In his keynote address to the event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, says the fight for decent work and labour rights is one that demands our urgent attention.

ECOSOC Special Meeting

Navigating the Future of Work: A call for inclusive and sustainable solutions

In his address to the ECOSOC Special Meeting on “The Future of Work: towards a productive, inclusive and sustainable global society,” ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, explains how advancing decent work and social justice are pivotal to...