ILO Centenary Initiative holds landmark event on future of work

THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) will host a major event on the future of work between April 6 and 7 in Geneva, Switzerland.

“The Future of Work We Want: A Global Dialogue ” will bring together leading thinkers across many disciplines as well as actors in the world of work.

The two-day landmark event will see experts from around the world gather in Geneva to discuss the sweeping changes currently affecting the world of work.

The ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder said ahead of the meeting: “The future of work is not pre-determined. It is up to us to forge the kind of future we want, which is exactly the topic of our event here in Geneva.

“This event will be an important step to better understand the sweeping changes we are witnessing and to develop effective policy responses that can shape the future of work we want a future guided by principles of social justice.”

Panellists will discuss the many drivers that are changing the nature of work: innovation and technological changes, the global economy, climate change, demography and growing inequality.

The event is part of the Future of Work Initiative launched by ILO Director-General Guy Ryder in 2013. It will therefore be structured around the Initiative’s four “centenary conversations”: work and society, decent jobs for all, the organisation of work and production as well as the governance of work.

A special session will discuss the perspectives for young people. Youth themselves – including young employers and workers will be given the opportunity to express their views on the future of work.

The event will be open to the press upon registration. ILO experts will be available to discuss topics addressed during the event. More details will be provided in the coming weeks.