BD elected vice-president of Int’l Labour Conference
Bangladesh has been unanimously elected as a vice-president of the 114th International Labour Conference, marking an important diplomatic achievement for the country in global labour governance.
Delegates from 187 member states of the International Labour Organization endorsed Bangladesh’s election at the conference in Geneva, according to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in Geneva.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Nahida Sobhan, assumed the role of vice-president of the conference. She will serve alongside Conference President Juan Castillo and fellow vice-presidents Kristen Kaufman and Gerardo Martínez.
The Permanent Mission said the unanimous election reflects growing international confidence in Bangladesh’s constructive role in promoting decent work, social justice, labour rights and inclusive labour policies.
It also said the position demonstrates recognition of Bangladesh’s continued engagement in strengthening multilateral cooperation and supporting the democratisation of the ILO.
As vice-president, Bangladesh will help guide the proceedings of the conference and support consensus-building among governments, employers and workers’ representatives on key labour and employment issues.
The International Labour Conference, often described as the “world parliament of labour”, is the highest decision-making body of the ILO.
It serves as the main global platform for discussions on labour standards, employment policies, workers’ rights and social justice.
The annual conference brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from around the world to discuss policies and standards shaping the future of work.
This year’s conference has drawn nearly 5,000 delegates, making it one of the largest global gatherings on labour, employment and social justice.
Bangladesh’s election is expected to further strengthen the country’s voice in international labour affairs at a time when workers’ rights, workplace safety, social protection and the future of employment remain major issues on the global agenda.
