ILO Director-General: ‘At a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, advancing social justice is more important than ever’

SANTIAGO.- ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo reflects on the challenges of the world of work during his first official mission to Chile (30th April). Under his leadership, Houngbo has led key initiatives, including of the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the promotions of productive employment and decent work. In this dialogue, ILO Chile explores the role of the ILO in the United Nations system, and the significance of his mission to the country.

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Mr. Director-General, the ILO has been promoting a Global Coalition for Social Justice. Could you explain what this initiative entails and why it is so relevant to the global labour landscape today?

The Global Coalition for Social Justice is a global initiative to address inequalities and promote a fairer and more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable world of work. At a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges including growing inequality, informal work, and an uneven post-pandemic economic recovery, advancing social justice is more important than ever. The Coalition has brought over two hundred partners together so far, including governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society and academia. 

This is your first visit to Chile. Could you share with us the significance of this visit and what was your motivation for coming to Chile in particular?

A number of reasons have brought me to Chile. I am here to meet with Minister of Labour, Jeannette Jara Román  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alberto van Klaveren and other government officials and representatives of employers and workers organizations, to discuss the main labour challenges facing the country, and to learn more about the ongoing discussions on labour issues such as the pension reform process, the new 40-hour law, the implementation of ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment, the state of social dialogue and the ILO’s support to tripartite constituents in Chile.

The ILO plays a crucial role in the United Nations System when it comes to the world of work. Could you share with us how you see the ILO’s current role in the global landscape and how it works with other UN agencies to promote social justice and decent work?

The International Labour Organization plays a fundamental role in the United Nations system as the lead agency responsible for promoting productive employment, decent work and social justice for all. As part of the United Nations system, the ILO works closely with other UN agencies, programmes, and funds to address global challenges related to employment, labour rights, and sustainable development. Our focus is on developing policies and programmes that promote decent work for all, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work. The ILO also serves as a global forum for tripartite dialogue between governments, employers, and workers, facilitating cooperation and consensus on labour issues at the international level. Through our normative, technical, and advocacy work, we seek to ensure that productive employment, decent work and social justice are at the heart of the global sustainable development agenda. As a result, the ILO plays a crucial role in building a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable world for all, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the fundamental principles of the United Nations.