Leveraging trade to achieve Decent Work
Enhancing the implementation of ILO Fundamental Conventions and International Labour Standards in trading partner countries of the European Union
Mission
Elevating international labour standards
Trade for Decent Work aims to enhance the capacity of trading partners of the European Union to integrate decent work principles into their trade and development strategies. The project operates in countries at varying levels of economic development that are strategically important to the European Union’s trade relations. It promotes the application of ILO international labour standards, particularly the Fundamental Conventions, and encourages sustainable employment practices and robust social dialogue.
Through strategic technical assistance, Trade for Decent Work empowers constituents and stakeholders in these countries to address gaps in decent work and engage meaningfully in social dialogue and policy change processes.
Approach
Implementing strategic solutions for lasting impact
Trade for Decent Work adopts a multifaceted approach. Country-focused facilities provide tailored support to beneficiary countries, guided by meticulously crafted plans, budgets, and annual work objectives. Simultaneously, a Global Facility offers technical support, creating a network of progress that drives the conversation on ensuring sustainable labour frameworks across borders.
Network
Collaborating to align with global principles
In perfect alignment with the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (2017), Trade for Decent Work stands as a beacon of collaboration. The project is committed to nurturing existing partnerships and forging new ones with countries that share its vision for a world where every worker enjoys their fundamental rights in dignified working conditions.
Partners
Shaping the future of labour standards
Trade for Decent Work, initiated by the ILO, exemplifies the strong support of the European Union to the ILO around international labour standards, particularly the Fundamental Conventions.
Through the launch of Trade for Decent Work in 2019, the European Commission expanded its existing collaboration with the ILO to strengthen the application of Fundamental Conventions in more countries that trade with the European Union. The project’s growing impact attracted the interest of the Government of Finland, which joined as a co-funder in 2021. This initiative reflects the commitment of the partnership to ensuring that economic growth through trade goes hand in hand with respect for workers’ rights and improved working conditions.
Explore our impact
Discover the achievements of Trade for Decent Work in the countries it operates
Learn moreWhat we do
Trade for Decent Work aims to enhance the application of ILO Fundamental Conventions globally and to realize decent work principles in the collaborating nations. The project focuses on supporting partner countries in four key areas, laying the foundation for meaningful change:
Ratifications
Fundamental Conventions and select International Labour Instruments ratified.
Reforms
Constituents effectively participate in national processes that address gaps between national law and practice and targeted conventions.
Responsible Business Conduct
The private sector engages in initiatives that promote responsible business conduct.
Reporting
Governments and social partners effectively fulfill their respective roles in reporting to the ILO supervisory mechanisms.
How we do it
A Tripartite Approach
Trade for Decent Work operates in alignment with the ILO Tripartite Governance structure in multiple countries across the globe
Tripartism
Forging national accord to drive impact
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialised United Nations agency, with the involvement of governments, employers, and workers. It serves as the architect of International Labour Standards, reflecting a global consensus on critical labour and social policy issues.
At the country level, the project employs this tripartite approach and relies on coordination frameworks between the ILO, government entities, and social partners.
Co-ordination between Country Offices and Headquarters
Ensuring coherence
Trade for Decent Work operates both globally and at the country level, aligning seamlessly with ILO objectives. At the country level, day-to-day management is decentralized to the ILO Country Office, supported technically by the ILO Decent Work Team and ILO Headquarters. The Country Office guides the actions in consultation with tripartite constituents, and relevant stakeholders. Global management and co-ordination are provided by the International Labour Standards Department at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva.
A Steering committee, consisting of broad cross-cutting representation from the ILO and the donors, provides support and guidance to review project progress, discuss policy, technical and operational issues related to furthering the objectives of the partnership and to redefine the lines of implementation. Additionally, regular information sharing facilitates adaptation to challenges during implementation and response to emergent needs.
Collaborative interventions
Informed, Reliable and Effective Implementation
Trade for Decent Work operates with the support of various technical units in the ILO headquarters and the Decent Work Teams based in the regions. This includes experts from the International Labour Standards Department (NORMES), the Multinational Enterprises and Enterprises Engagement Unit (MULTI), the Green Jobs Unit (GREEN), the Social Dialogue, Labour Relations and Governance of Work Unit (LABGOV), the Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment Branch (OSHE), and the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Branch (FUNDAMENTALS) in collaboration with the Inclusive Labour Markets, Labour Relations and Working Conditions Branch (INWORK) and the Statistics Department (STAT). The ILO International Training Centre also provides meaningful technical inputs and support.