KATHMANDU (ILO News) - The International Labour Conference of the ILO has adopted the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026 (No. 193), marking a historic milestone for the world of work as the first international labour standard dedicated to the platform economy.

This new Convention establishes a global framework to improve working conditions for millions of workers earning their livelihoods through digital labour platforms.

Adopted by ILO Member States at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva in June 2026, the Convention seeks to ensure that technological innovation and new business models go hand in hand with workers' rights, fair competition and sustainable economic growth.

The Convention applies to all digital labour platforms and platform workers, whether work is performed online or in a specific location, and regardless of how workers are classified under national law.

Digital technologies are reshaping the platform economy, highlighting the need for decent work and social protection.

The new standard calls on Member States to protect fundamental rights at work in the platform economy, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, protection from discrimination, the elimination of forced and child labour, minimum wage protection, and safe and healthy working conditions.

It also provides guidance on timely and transparent payment, social security, protection from violence and harassment, correct classification of employment status, data privacy, dispute resolution, and safeguards against unlawful suspension, deactivation or termination.

ILO Country Director for Nepal Numan Özcan highlights, "As Nepal's platform economy continues to expand, this convention offers a useful guidance for balancing innovation with workers' rights, enabling Nepal to foster digital entrepreneurship while ensuring that platform workers have access to fair conditions, social protection and opportunities for decent work."

For Nepal, the Convention comes at a critical moment. Ride-hailing, food and parcel delivery, freelance digital services and other digital labour platforms are already supporting tourism, small and medium-sized enterprises, digital payments and youth employment. As Nepal's digital economy grows, the platform economy is creating new opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship, and so is the need to ensure decent work for platform workers.

A delivery worker uses a digital platform to manage deliveries, illustrating how the platform economy is creating new opportunities while reinforcing the need for decent work and worker protection.

With the right regulatory framework, Nepal can formalize this fast-growing sector without stifling innovation. The platform economy can become more than a source of flexible income, it can be a bridge to better jobs, stronger local enterprises, safer mobility, and a more inclusive digital economy that delivers decent work for all platform workers.

Learn more on the Convention and Recommendation:

How will the new convention n°193 promote decent work in the platform economy?

FAQ - Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy (C193)

For more information, please contact:

Nistha Rayamajhi

Communications Officer

ILO Country Office for Nepal

https://www.ilo.org/nepal