Beaven Ndliwayo 
ZIMBABWE’s Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo, was appointed President of the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), recently at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) headquarters in Geneva.
Moyo’s election to preside over the ILO’s annual global assembly marks a first for Zimbabwe and a significant diplomatic milestone for the country’s social security leadership.
Addressing delegates, Moyo said he was honoured by the appointment and committed to steering the conference towards solutions that will strengthen labour markets and social protections worldwide.
“Zimbabwe is humbled by the confidence shown in us by the ILO constituents. As President of this important session, I pledge to facilitate dialogue that will deliver fair, balanced and actionable outcomes for all — workers, employers, and governments,” he said.
This year’s ILC comes at a critical time, as economies worldwide grapple with the fast-evolving world of work.
Moyo noted that key challenges include expanding informal employment, persistent youth unemployment, the disruptive effects of artificial intelligence and new technologies, demographic shifts, and climate-related disruptions.
He urged delegates to approach the conference with an open mind and a collective spirit.
“These issues affect all of us — north and south, developed and developing. This conference is a rare and valuable platform where we can listen to one another and shape a more just, equitable and sustainable global labour framework,” he said.
Delegates at the two-week session negotiated new international labour standards and examine progress on existing commitments. Major items on this year’s agenda include discussions on decent work in global supply chains, protections for workers in digital platform economies, and reviewing the ILO’s proposed budget for 2026-2027.
Moyo emphasised the importance of strong social dialogue and urged member states to support the ILO’s normative and supervisory roles.
“International labour standards remain the backbone of fairness and dignity in the world of work. I call on all delegations to engage constructively to ensure these standards continue to evolve and remain relevant,” he said.
In addition to standard-setting, the conference reviewed reports from the ILO Governing Body and the Director-General, and head from the Committee on the Application of Standards, which plays a key role in monitoring compliance with ILO conventions.
