From vision to impact: 10 years of the Vision Zero Fund

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BERLIN (ILO News) - On 28 April 2026, representatives from government, industry, civil society, global leaders, policymakers and social partners gathered in Berlin to mark the 10th anniversary of the ILO Vision Zero Fund (VZF). The event provided an opportunity to reflect on a decade of progress in preventing fatal and serious occupational accidents and diseases within supply chains.

VZF stands out because it addresses one of the most serious challenges in the world of work.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO)

Initiated by the G7, the Vision Zero Fund has, over the past ten years, strengthened occupational safety and health (OSH) systems in high-risk sectors, particularly in developing countries. As part of the ILO flagship programme Safety & Health for All, the Fund has helped build a culture of prevention and collaboration among governments, employers, and workers.

High-level commitment to worker safety

The anniversary was organized jointly with Siemens and the German Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The event featured opening remarks from high-level speakers who emphasized the importance of the collective action model implemented by the Fund.

Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Germany, underscored Germany's ongoing commitment to the initiative

We stand for this attitude: every work accident is avoidable if all those responsible pull together.

Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Germany

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, delivered a video message highlighting how the Fund has turned the vision of "zero" accidents into a tangible reality for millions of workers.

Safer supply chains are not only necessary, they are within reach. The Vision Zero Fund has shown what is possible. With the right partnerships, we can go even further.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO)

His remarks were followed by Beate Andrees, ILO Assistant Director-General for the Regions.

The Fund was built on a simple but powerful recognition: no single actor can address the root causes of unsafe working conditions in supply chains. The Vision Zero Fund therefore brings all actors together to jointly analyse challenges and develop coordinated, complementary approaches.

Beate Andrees, ILO Assistant Director-General for the Region Beate Andrees, ILO Assistant Director-General for the Region and Bärbel Bas, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

Judith Wiese, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, welcomed participants, noting the critical role of private sector engagement in sustainable supply chains.

Preventing accidents should not be seen as a legal requirement, but as an obligation to mankind and a matter of economic sense.

Judith Wiese, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG

Ten years of impact by the numbers

The event showcased the Fund's significant scale of operations since its inception. Participants toured a dedicated photo exhibition and engaged with a virtual reality experience that brought the Fund's field work to life.

Key achievements highlighted include:

• 8 Million+ workers benefiting directly and indirectly from VZF interventions.
• Almost 3 Million workers reached through training, capacity building, and awareness-raising.
• 18,000+ workers specifically trained using VZF methodologies.
• 160+ knowledge and training products developed to improve workplace safety.

Looking ahead: The strategic future

Beyond celebrating past successes, the event focused on the future. A roundtable featuring representatives from the European Commission, the French Ministry of Labour, the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA), the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), and Nestlé discussed the evolution of the Fund and the challenges that remain.

Parallel thematic sessions allowed experts to explore strategic opportunities to scale the VZF's work. As the world faces shifting global trade dynamics and climate-related occupational risks, participants agreed that the Fund's collective action model is more relevant now than ever.

Participants engage with VR learning solutions exploring OSH.

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