A new Partnership Agreement covering the period 2023 to 2027 has been signed between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Denmark, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the two and the strong alignment of their shared priorities.
The ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations in Geneva, His Excellency Ib Petersen, formalized the agreement, which aims to promote social justice and decent work worldwide, and underscores Denmark’s dedication to the promotion of decent work for all and the advancement of ILO strategic priorities.
Under the partnership Denmark has committed to providing fully unearmarked contributions to the ILO’s Regular Budget Supplementary Account (RBSA) of DKK 130 million (US$ 19 million) between 2023 – 2027. RBSA is a key flexible funding modality through which the ILO and its development partners can advance the Decent Work Agenda and the associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized the importance of unearmarked contributions. “Denmark is a key partner of the ILO in promoting decent work and social justice,” he said. “The Partnership Agreement we sign today renews Denmark’s long-standing commitment to the Regular Budget Supplementary Account and reflects a strong level of trust in the effectiveness and mandate of the ILO, for which we are most grateful. The ILO looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the Government of Denmark in areas of shared interests, including poverty reduction, building alternatives to irregular migration and creating sustainable production, through policy dialogue and development cooperation programmes worldwide.”
Ambassador Petersen expressed Denmark’s dedication to the partnership. “ILO’s work to promote decent working conditions, rights at work for all and green jobs is highly recognized by Denmark and reflects our firm commitment to tripartism in the labour market. Therefore, we are pleased with this signing to have renewed our partnership with the ILO on RBSA funding for the coming five years,” he said.
Through their long-term partnership, the ILO and the Government of Denmark aim to deepen their collaboration and implement strategic initiatives that can address the evolving needs of workers and employers worldwide.
The new Partnership Agreement, signed on 17 November, will allow for structured and regular policy exchanges on areas where the ILO can make the greatest difference, including on poverty reduction, building alternatives to irregular migration and creating sustainable production, especially in Africa. It will also include a cross-cutting focus on climate and ensuring the protection of at-risk groups, notably women, youth and migrants.