The International Labour Organization (ILO) will elect its director-general for the 2027-2032 term on November 16. Gilbert Houngbo, the current director-general from Togo, has announced his candidacy for re-election. He is the first African to lead the institution and has garnered support from the Togolese government and several African trade unions. Houngbo's re-election bid faces competition from two other candidates: Yolanda Díaz Pérez, Spain's Minister of Labour, and Xavier González-Olaechea, a former Peruvian Foreign Minister.
The ILO's Governing Body, comprising 56 members, will hold hearings with the candidates on November 9 before conducting a secret ballot a week later. The Governing Body's composition is tripartite, with 28 representatives from governments, 14 from employers, and 14 from workers. The director-general's term is five years, starting on October 1, 2027. If re-elected, this would be Houngbo's second and final term, as the ILO's constitution limits the number of terms to two.
Gilbert Houngbo has had an extensive international career, primarily in UN institutions. Between 1996 and 2008, he held various positions at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). He served as Togo's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012 and later as the ILO's Deputy Director-General from 2013 to 2017. Houngbo also presided over the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) from 2017 to 2022. He was elected ILO director-general in March 2022 and assumed office in October of the same year.
During his first term, Houngbo has focused on reforming the ILO, particularly modernizing its labour standards system. He has also managed the organization through a period of reduced international funding. The Togolese diplomat has promised to enhance the ILO's responsiveness and adapt it to regional realities if re-elected. His platform emphasizes strengthening the organization's capacity to address emerging global challenges.
Houngbo's candidacy has received official backing from the Togolese government and several African trade unions. His experience in various UN institutions and as a national leader positions him as a strong contender. The ILO, established 103 years ago, plays a critical role in promoting social justice and labour rights worldwide.
The election of the ILO director-general is a significant event, given the organization's role in shaping global labour policies. The successful candidate will need to navigate complex international relations and address pressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and technological disruptions in the world of work.
The outcome of the election will be closely watched by governments, employers, and workers worldwide. The ILO's work affects millions of people globally, and its leadership has a substantial impact on international labour standards and policies. The new director-general will face challenges in balancing the interests of various stakeholders while promoting the organization's mission.
Key points
- Gilbert Houngbo seeks re-election as ILO director-general for a second and final term.
- The ILO's Governing Body will elect the director-general through a secret ballot on November 16.
- Houngbo's re-election bid is supported by the Togolese government and several African trade unions.
