ILO and the EU’s European Training Foundation strengthen partnership on skills and decent work

Press release

ILO and the EU's European Training Foundation strengthen partnership on skills and decent work

The European Training Foundation (ETF) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) agreed to expand joint action on skills, lifelong learning, and employment policies, backing the green transition, competitiveness, and social inclusion.

9 February 2026

ILO and ETF representatives signing cooperation agreement, February 2026 © ILO/ETF

TURIN, Italy (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Training Foundation (ETF) will work more closely to help countries improve skills systems, vocational education, apprenticeships and employment policies. Under a cooperation agreement signed Monday 9 February by Pilvi Torsti, Director of the ETF, and Sangheon Lee, Director of the Employment Policy Department of the ILO, the two organizations agreed to join forces to improve skills and labour market data, support education and training systems adapting to the green and digital transitions, strengthen vocational education and work-based learning, improve career guidance and recognise skills gained outside formal education.

The Declaration of Intent establishes a framework of maximum five years for closer coordination and knowledge sharing, in line with international labour standards, European Union policy priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation, said: "Labour markets are being reshaped by digital, climate and demographic changes. Countries need skills and employment policies that not only respond to today's demand but also prepare people for future transitions. By strengthening our cooperation with the ILO, we aim to support countries with forward-looking, evidence-based policy advice that helps build inclusive labour markets and secure decent work for all."

By strengthening our cooperation with the ILO, we aim to support countries with forward-looking, evidence-based policy advice that helps build inclusive labour markets and secure decent work for all.

Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation

Sangheon Lee, Director of the ILO Employment Policy Department, said: "By strengthening our cooperation with the ETF, we will support countries and ILO constituents in developing skills and employment policies that are evidence-based and respond to the realities of today's changing world of work. Through social dialogue and stronger training systems, this cooperation will contribute to national strategies that effectively respond to and anticipate emerging skills needs and help workers and employers navigate increasingly complex labour markets."

Through social dialogue and stronger training systems, this cooperation will contribute to national strategies that effectively respond to and anticipate emerging skills needs and help workers and employers navigate increasingly complex labour markets.

Sangheon Lee, Director of the ILO Employment Policy Department

The cooperation agreement will focus on:

• Joint advice to governments on skills, vocational education, apprenticeships, lifelong learning and employment policies.
• Better data on skills and jobs to understand labour market needs and education-to-work transitions.
• Preparing for green and digital change by helping education, training and employment systems adapt while promoting inclusion and decent work.
• Stronger vocational education and apprenticeships that lead to real job opportunities.
• Career guidance and flexible learning, including recognition of skills gained outside formal education.
• Sharing expertise through joint publications, training and online resources.

Sangheon Lee, Director of the ILO Employment Policy Department and Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation signing a cooperation agreement on skills and decent work

About the European Training Foundation

The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the European Union agency based in Turin (Italy) supporting partner countries in reforming education, training and labour-market systems. The ETF works with nearly 30 countries - from Ukraine to the Western Balkans, from the Southern Mediterranean to Central Asia and the African Union - to strengthen the prosperity and stability of Europe and its neighbours.

The ETF Governing Board, chaired by Mario Nava, European Commission Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, brings together representatives from all 27 EU Member States.

About the International Labour Organization

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.

The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

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