Singapore, ILO sign new two-year partnership agreement
The Singapore government and International Labour Organisation (ILO) are reinforcing their commitment in addressing global labour issues under a renewed two-year cooperation framework.
The framework, "Partnership Agreement for a Collaborative Programme on Labour and Decent Work," was signed by representatives from the ILO and Singapore's Ministry of Manpower on June 8.
"This renewed Agreement reflects our shared commitment to collectively address global labour issues such as the impact of new technologies, ageing populations, and new forms of work to help unlock opportunities for governments, employers, and workers," said Stanley Loh, permanent secretary of MOM, who signed on behalf of Singapore.
"We look forward to working with the ILO and our regional partners in ASEAN to advance our shared aspiration to promote decent work and more inclusive and resilient labour markets."
According to MOM, the framework sets out a programme of technical cooperation to strengthen the capacity of ASEAN governments, employers, and workers' organisations to navigate emerging labour market developments.
The framework focuses on occupational safety and health, skills development, and social dialogue.
The new areas of focus of the renewed framework include the growing impact of artificial intelligence, the rise of platform and non-standard forms of employment, demographic transitions, and the participation of older workers.
Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, ILO assistant director-general and regional director for Asia and the Pacific, said the renewed agreement reflects their shared commitment to promoting decent work across the region.
"As ASEAN labour markets undergo profound transformation, strong partnerships are essential to ensure that technological change, demographic shifts and new forms of employment create opportunities for all," the ILO assistant director-general said.
The new framework will be valid until June 2028, building on 15 years of collaboration between the Singapore government and the ILO. Their first partnership agreement was signed in June 2011.
