(GB. 353/PFA/1: P&B proposals for 2026-27)

(March 10, 2025)

(PART 2: Policy, Policy Coherence and Enabling Outcomes)

Thank you, Mr. Chair! I am speaking on behalf of ASPAG.

1. ASPAG welcomes a strong, modernized normative action for social justice. We commend the ongoing efforts of the ILO to develop robust and relevant standards that address contemporary challenges. We request the Office to provide more tailored technical assistance to member states, upon request, to support the ratification and effective application of international labour standards.

2. ASPAG supports the strong tripartism, effective social dialogue and the good governance in labour markets. We encourage the Office to continue assisting member states in strengthening labour administration, improving labour inspection system, and enhancing their capacity to foster effective and harmonious labour relations.

3. ASPAG underscores the importance of the full, freely chosen and productive employment in promoting social justice. The inclusive, sustainable and resilient skills and lifelong learning systems are critical to promoting social and economic development. We call for adequate allocation of regular and extra-budgetary resources to ASPAG under this policy outcome. We encourage the ILO to promote decent work through sustainable enterprises by enhancing competitiveness, fostering new quality productivity, promoting a conducive business environment, supporting responsible business conduct, and advancing the formalization of the economy. We note with regret that certain elements within outputs 3 and 4 have been omitted compared with the previous P&B. Specifically, the descriptions of the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protections for Just Transitions and strengthening international partnerships in global-level efforts (output 3.1 and 4.1) have been removed. We believe collaboration with national institutions and others is indispensable in efforts at the global level. Therefore, these descriptions should be reinstated. Additionally, the number of ASPAG countries included in target 3.2.1 and 3.2.3 has decreased. We would appreciate the Office’s feedback on these matters.

4. ASPAG recognizes the critical importance of gender equality and equality of treatment and opportunity for all. We take note of the different views on the language used to describe population groups affected by discrimination and exclusion. We urge all GB members to work collaboratively to reach a consensus.

5. We welcome efforts to promote safe and healthy working environment with adequate minimum wages and decent working time, which is essential for  decent work and maintaining sustainable labour forces. However, we note with regret that in Outcome 6 of both the current and proposed P&B, the means of verification and baseline of the indicator on migration cost have not been determined yet. While we believe it is inappropriate to set an indicator that cannot be verified, we would like to hear the Office’s perspective on this matter.

6. ASPAG highlights the unique and irreplaceable function of social protection in preventing and reducing poverty and inequality. Given that 47% of the world’s population still remains without access to any form of social protection, we support the ILO to help member states develop comprehensive social protection systems, and ensure sustainable and adequate financing and sound governance, to contribute to more just and equitable societies.

7. Chair, digitalization including AI presents both opportunities and challenges to the world of work. It is essential to create more decent job opportunities and promote inclusive and effective governance of the digital economy. We encourage the ILO to take a leading role in the transformative period, intensity efforts to bridge the digital divide, and contribute meaningfully to the implementation of the Global Digital Compact adopted at the UN Summit of the Future.

8. ASPAG supports the ILO’s efforts to enhance policy coherence, aiming to strengthening both external and internal coordination and collaboration. We agree that the Coalition should serve as a dynamic platform for mobilizing political commitment, fostering strategic partnerships and securing investments  necessary to advance social justice and decent work. We encourage the ILO to continue boosting cross-Office action within and between the four thematic areas through the priority action programmes. However, We note that 7 out of 12 targets in the attached results framework remain undetermined. It is inappropriate to include such indicators without clear targets in the document at the final GB session before the next ILC. We request the Office to define these targets as soon as possible. We also look forward to the mid-term review of the implementation of the priority action programmes in 2026.

9. Chair, the three enablers are critical to enhancing and ensuring the Organization’s operational effectiveness. For Enabler A, we call for continued efforts to enhance the ILO’s knowledge base and research capacity, as well as to reinforce partnerships for development cooperation including through South-South and triangular cooperation and other multilateral channels. We request further support on development cooperation from the Office in light of the development situation in the Asia and the Pacific Region. For Enabler B, we endorse the focus on enhanced leadership and strategic direction to ensure organizational impact, effective and efficient decision-making, transparency and accountability. We request more clear indicators for measuring effectiveness of development projects. We also reiterate our request in my previous intervention on Part 1 for the need for clear action and timelines on geographical distribution of staffing under this Outcome. For Enabler C, we request the Office to intensify its efforts in human resources planning, development and management. Building on our statement on part 1, we reiterate our request for the Office to take concrete measures to address the geographical and gender diversity among staff and incorporate these measures into the new HR strategy. We also request the Office to enhance transparency in enabling outcomes resources allocation.

10. Chair, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. This year, we will also have the Second World Summit for Social Development. ASPAG encourages the ILO to actively engage in the Summit and other high-level UN events and incorporate relevant outcomes and elements into the implementation of the next biennium’s P&B.

I thank you, Mr. Chair!