THE International Labour Organization commemorated its 50 years of engagement in the Pacific on Monday.
In the presence of government leaders, policymakers,
employers and workers representatives, the historic
milestone coincided with the opening of the inaugural Pacific Regional Tripartite Conference in Nadi.
Officiating at the event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the conference marked an important milestone in the region’s journey towards employment, security, and shared prosperity.
“We gather not only to chart a new course, but to honour 50 years of enduring partnership between the Pacific and the International Labour Organization (ILO),” he said.
” Over five decades, the ILO has stood by us, and our relationship has been grounded in the principle of tripartism – the equal partnership of governments, employers, and workers – and remains the cornerstone of resilient and inclusive development.
“Today, that spirit is alive in this room. We see ministers, policymakers, employers, workers, and our ILO partners – together, to forge a new, integrated approach to employment, decent work, climate resilience, human security, and labour mobility.”
Mr Rabuka said ILO’s partnership has helped transform the Pacific labour landscape.
“From skills development programs and legal reforms to social protection and workplace safety, the ILO has helped strengthen our institutions and empowered tripartite collaborations among our governments, employers, and workers to shape their own futures.
“This foundation gives us the confidence to face today’s challenges – from climate change, digital disruption and labour mobility – not in isolation, but through collective and coordination actions.
“The launch of the Regional Permanent Secretary (PS) Employment Talanoa Forum and its Technical Working Group builds on this legacy, applying proven ILO principles to deliver inclusive and people-centered solutions.”
Prior to the establishment of the ILO Office in the Pacific in 1975, the ILO had implemented programs and provided technical support to Pacific Island Countries from the ILO Headquarters in Geneva and the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok.
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Note: This article was first published under the headline: ILO marks 50th anniversary in the Pacific in Page14 of the print version of The Fiji Times dated Wednesday September 3, 2025
