The ILO and the UN
As the first and oldest United Nations' specialized agency, the International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes social justice in the United Nations System. The ILO collaborates actively with the other 14 specialized agencies, 23 funds, programs, research institutes, and various regional and functional commissions to address the global interconnected challenges of poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Over the years, the United Nations has undergone significant reforms to enhance greater coherence and results-oriented action at global, regional, and national levels. The most recent UN reform, launched in 2017, has improved the organization’s ability to support member states in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Our Common Agenda, launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2021, is a bold action plan and a pivotal response to current and future global challenges. It articulates a shared vision for accelerating progress on existing multilateral commitments, notably the 2030 Agenda. The ILO has been actively shaping this initiative, contributing to key milestones including the Summit of the Future in 2024 and the Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025.
News and articles
Partnership
UN agencies partner with Kenya to promote safe migration, mobility and social inclusion
COP16
Sustainable management of biodiversity in agriculture could create millions of new jobs in Latin America
How the ILO works with the United Nations
Positioning social justice and decent work in the UN
Interagency Partnerships
Working with the UN in countries
Contact the ILO office for the United Nations
Development Cooperation Dashboard
Projects funded by the United Nations