Decent work

Decent Work refers to the foundational concept established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1999. It emerged as a response to the globalization of labor markets, aiming to integrate the goal of employment into the core of economic and social policy. The initiative was designed to address the lack of protections for workers in the developing world, establishing a framework that centers on rights at work, social protection, and social dialogue.

The design of the concept is rooted in decades of international development discourse, championed by former ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. It was conceived as a multi-dimensional approach to poverty reduction, shifting the focus from mere job creation to the quality and dignity of employment. It has been widely received by international policy bodies as a standard for sustainable development, though it remains a subject of ongoing debate regarding its practical implementation across diverse global regulatory environments.