ILO Governing Body concluded its 356th Session

GENEVA (ILO News) - The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) concluded its 356th Session (23 March-2 April 2026), addressing a wide range of global labour issues in line with its mandate to promote decent work and advance social justice. Members reviewed progress across the ILO's normative, technical and policy work, examined several country cases, and discussed current and emerging challenges affecting workers and employers worldwide.

The Governing Body reiterated its concern regarding the financial and budgetary challenges facing the Organization and endorsed the ILO's strategic vision to guide the ongoing reform process. It welcomed proposals to reprioritize resources and generate efficiency gains in the current biennium as part of the 2026-29 plan, and requested the Director-General to take its guidance into account in implementing these measures. It also called for continued efforts to identify synergies and reduce overlaps with other United Nations agencies, while safeguarding the ILO's constitutional mandate. The Director-General was requested to report on progress at the Governing Body's next session in June 2026.

Member States also endorsed the ILO's Development Cooperation Strategy for 2026-29, which aims to support the Organization's strategic priorities while contributing to its ongoing reform efforts, as well as the ILO's Human Resources Strategy for 2026-29.

On the conflict in Ukraine, the Governing Body reiterated its deep concern over the Russian Federation's continuing aggression, aided by the Belarusian Government, and reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's tripartite constituents. It again urged the Russian Federation to cease its aggression and withdraw its troops, and requested the Director-General to step up resource mobilization efforts for Ukraine and other affected countries in the region, with a further report expected in June 2026.

As part of its supervisory responsibilities, the Governing Body reviewed several country cases, including Belarus, Myanmar, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia and Chile, in line with its role in upholding international labour standards.

The Governing Body also set out the timetable for the appointment of the next ILO Director-General. Candidatures will be called for on 15 April 2026, with a deadline of 31 August 2026. A public interactive event with all candidates is scheduled for 23 September 2026. This will be followed by private hearings and a secret ballot election on 16 November 2026. The new Director-General will take office on 1 October 2027.

Finally, the Governing Body updated the arrangements for the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference, to be held from 1 to 12 June 2026.

The next session of the Governing Body will take place on 13 June 2026.