About the ILO

The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men. Origins and history

How we work

  1. The unique tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in labour standards and in shaping policies and programmes.

Mission and impact

  1. The main aims of the ILO are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Stories of impact

  1. © Allan Mulenga / ILO 2024

    Having an income reduces HIV stigma and discrimination

    01 March 2024

    Sixty-year old Regina Katungu Chileshe is an entrepreneur living with HIV in Zambia. She is a member of an HIV support group that works to overcome stigma in the community, thanks to an income generation project supported by the International Labour Organization and UNAIDS.

  2. Robotics and breaking gender barriers in technology

    29 February 2024

    The changing world of work due to technological advances provided opportunity to two best friends in web development and robotic automation.