“Justice, humanity and peace” should guide new ILO social contract – Director General

…signs 3rd Decent Work Country Programme Guyana

Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, has issued a clarion call for the renewal of a global social contract grounded in justice, humanity, and peace.
Speaking to regional Ministers, labour leaders, and employer representatives gathered in Georgetown, at the opening of the 13th Caribbean Ministers of Labour Meeting Houngbo acknowledged the immense challenges facing the Caribbean region and the wider world, from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change, geopolitical tensions, and shifting economic dynamics.
“The profound impact of these crises has underscored the deep interconnections between economies and societies,” he said, emphasising how global interdependencies have been disrupted by technological advancement, demographic shifts, migration flows, and persistent vulnerabilities.

Houngbo noted that Small Island Developing States (SIDS), along with highly indebted middle-income countries in the Caribbean, now face the urgent task of transforming their economies to become more resilient and inclusive in the face of future shocks. These challenges are not abstract, he said, but real and immediate—particularly for the region’s most vulnerable populations.
“In times of economic crisis or environmental disasters, it is always the most vulnerable who bear the heaviest burden,” he stressed. “And all too often, it is the women who are disproportionately affected.”
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and as the global economy continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Houngbo stressed the need for Caribbean nations to respond with urgency, unity, and innovation.
At the heart of Houngbo’s address was a powerful call for a renewed social contract—one built on social justice, equitable economic growth, solidarity, environmental protection, and equal access to opportunity.
“Justice, humanity, and peace should guide us as we work toward a new social contract,” he said. “The central question we must address today is, how do we renew the social contract in our time?”
The ILO, he said, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, thanks in part to its century-old tradition of tripartite social dialogue, which brings together Governments, employers, and workers to craft meaningful, inclusive solutions.
On this point, he emphasised that social dialogue remains a powerful tool for building trust, managing conflict, and achieving consensus on issues ranging from decent work to inclusive economic policies.
“This summit will serve as a critical platform to discuss and define the global steps necessary to advance our common cause,” he said, expressing hope that the Caribbean Labour Meeting would help identify regional priorities and feed into those global conversations.

Work programme
Guyana has once again signaled its commitment to support safe working conditions and labour standards after signing its third Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), which aims to advance labour rights, strengthen social protection, and ensure decent work for all Guyanese.
Additionally, it includes policies and strategies to promote equitable labour environments, thereby contributing to the country’s sustainable economic growth.
The agreement was signed during the opening of the ILO’s 13th Caribbean Ministers of Labour Meeting, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
The two-day session is being held under the theme, “Decent work for resilience: Securing the future of Caribbean Labour.” It provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and share best practices to promote social justice. It also drives economic progress despite societal challenges.
The meeting will also address labour migration, social protection, skills development, occupational safety and the formalisation of the informal economy.