International Labour Organization (ILO) and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) Forge New Agreement to Enhance Trade Union Capacities in Asia and the Pacific

This initiative, which has now entered its second phase, aims to bolster the institutional capacities of workers' organizations across Asia and the Pacific.

It is designed to enhance the core capacities of workers' organizations, enabling them to engage effectively in social dialogue, advocate for policy reforms, and improve working conditions. The cooperation will extend to vital areas such as digital transformations for trade unions, social dialogue, occupational safety and health, transitions and forced and child labour. This initiative aligns with the global Decent Work agenda and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, economic growth, climate action, and strong institutions.

The agreement spans from July 2024 to June 2027, with a budget of USD 1,200,000.00, funded by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU). The project will run from July 2024 to June 2027 and ILO will oversee with designated officials responsible for its management and implementation.

The ILO-ACTRAV ACFTU South-South Cooperation Project will target workers' organizations in Asia and the Pacific, as well as Africa, with a primary focus on national workers' organizations, especially targeting women and youth.

It will involve union representatives, trainers, women and young leaders from workers' organizations. Such an inclusive approach aims to foster a collaborative environment where workers' organizations can exchange knowledge and strategies on key challenges, including informal employment, discrimination, improving workers’ protection and unfavourable labour market dynamics.

The previous project phase took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. This necessitated the adoption of new technologies and virtual training programs, such as live webinars, self-guided modules, peer-to-peer learning, and online forum discussions.

Building on this success, the current phase will continue leveraging online platforms and blended learning methods and strengthen continuous learning and collaboration via an improved online community of practice.

The ILO-ACTRAV ACFTU Project enhance South-South cooperation to allow unions to influence policies that promote decent work and social justice and represent a significant step towards the empowerment of workers' organizations in Asia and the Pacific. By enhancing their capacities, the project aims to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and achieve progress in sustainable development. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both the ILO and ACFTU to fostering solidarity and improving the working conditions of workers across the region.

For further information, please contact:

Ariel Castro
Desk Officer, Asia-Pacific, ILO-ACTRAV
Email: castroa@ilo.org
Phone: +41 22 799 6112

International Labour Organization (ILO)
4 Route des Morillons, 1211 Genève, Switzerland
Website: www.ilo.org

All China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU)
10 Fuxingmenwai Street, Beijing, China
Website: www.acftu.org