The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations family that brings together governments, employers and workers for the promotion of social justice and the improvement of working conditions around the world. Since 1991, the Government of Flanders has worked closely with the International Labour Organization (ILO). A new cooperation agreement was concluded in 2016.
Cooperation with the ILO is important for Flanders since the organisation plays an active role in Flemish competences in the field of employment. The ILO also plays an important role in setting standards; the Government of Flanders is required to report regularly on the implementation of ILO conventions in Flanders. Social justice and the creation of more and better jobs is steadily moving up the international agenda. An example of this is Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) ‘Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all' as stated in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. By supporting ILO projects, Flanders therefore contributes to promoting decent work, entrepreneurship, labour standards, and social dialogue on a global level.
Flanders - ILO Trust fund
In December 2001, the Government of Flanders founded the Flanders - ILO Trust fund. The funds are used for activities that correspond to the ILO's strategic objectives and to the thematic and geographical priorities of the Flemish foreign policy. A donation to the trustfund is made every 2 years.
Since the renewal of the cooperation agreement between the Government and ILO in 2016, the priority is on promoting decent work for women and young people, with particular attention to social dialogue. Geographically there is a preference for Southern Africa. Annex I to the cooperation agreement deals with the specific modalities associated with the functioning of the Flanders ILO Trust fund. More information on the activities and projects
- Arrangement on the ILO/Flanders cooperation funding between Flanders and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Framework agreement for cooperation between the Flemish Government (Belgium) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Cooperation Agreement between Flanders (Kingdom of Belgium) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Extension and amendment of the agreement on Flemish ILO cooperation funding between Flanders and the International Labour Organization
- Memorandum of Understanding between the International Labour Organization, the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Flanders on development of a social economy policy in South Africa
- Grant for productivity gains in South African garment industry
- Grant for digital skills development in South Africa
- Grant for "Workplace learning for lifelong learning" (2020-2022)
- Grant for evaluation of cooperation with the International Labor Organization (2020)
- Grant for "Inclusive Trade and Decent Work: Supporting Policies" (2020-2022)