The 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) took place in Geneva, from June 3 to 14, 2024. This year's conference has drawn delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states, including representatives of workers, employers, and governments, and social partners to address several critical issues affecting the global labour market.

Delegates from the member states deliberated on critical issues ranging from workers' rights in the digital age to climate-friendly employment practices.

Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo the Director-General of ILO praised the productive debates that had underpinned the ILC’s discussions.

A significant outcome that was anticipated from this session was the potential adoption of an international labor standard on protection against biological hazards. The discussions on protection against biological hazards, has been a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of fundamental principles and rights at work and a general discussion on decent work and the care economy.

One of the standout achievements of this session was the unanimous adoption of the "Geneva Accord on Digital Labor Rights," a groundbreaking framework aimed at safeguarding the rights of workers in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The accord establishes guidelines for fair wages, job security, and access to social protections for workers engaged in digital platforms and remote work arrangements.

In another significant development, the ILC2024 endorsed the "Green Jobs Initiative," signaling a global commitment to promoting employment opportunities in sustainable sectors. This initiative is expected to drive investments in renewable energy, environmental conservation, and green technology, creating millions of new jobs while mitigating the impact of climate change.

Furthermore, the conference addressed challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for resilient labor markets and universal access to healthcare and social protection. Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of decent work and social justice, underscoring the role of international cooperation in building back better from the pandemic's economic disruptions.

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), hailed the ILC2024 as a testament to multilateralism and solidarity in addressing global labor challenges. He called upon member states to translate the conference's resolutions into concrete actions that improve the lives of workers worldwide.