Published on 25th March 2022
The World Employment Confederation (WEC), the global voice of the private employment services industry, welcomes the election of Gilbert F. Houngbo as the new Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The World Employment Confederation looks forward to continuing its long-lasting engagement with the ILO and growing its collaboration under the new leadership as we face the challenges of today’s ever changing world of work.
Reacting to the election, Denis Pennel, WEC Managing Director, said:
“We welcome the election of Gilbert F. Houngbo and endorse the ILO commitment towards promoting decent work by developing, promoting and ensure compliance with international labour standards that advance social and economic justice.
The ILO and the private employment services industry have a strong and long-standing relationship, notably on the promotion of ratification and implementation of Convention n°181 on private employment services. WEC will continue working closely with the new DG and the ILO Office to develop cooperation between public and private employment services and strive for modern, dynamic and inclusive labour markets that can benefit employers and workers together.”
Houngbo is currently President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He will be the 11th Director-General of the ILO, and the first African to hold the post. The new Director-General’s five-year term will begin on 1 October 2022. The current Director-General, Guy Ryder, from the United Kingdom, has held the office since 2012.
