Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (MNE Declaration)
Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (MNE Declaration)
English
ILO
The International Labour Organization is the tripartite U.N. agency that promotes Decent Work through employment, social security, labour standards and social dialogue. Its work on skills development is guided by the conceptual framework on Skills to improve productivity, employment growth, and development agreed in 2008 by representatives of Governments, Employers’ Associations and Workers’ Associations. Research, policy advice, and pilot projects and technical cooperation programmes to apply good practices in different circumstances across its 185 member States aims to boost the employability of workers, the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises, and the inclusiveness of economic growth. The ILO Secretariat in offices in 40 countries works with Ministries of Labour, employers’ organizations, and trade unions to integrate skills development into national and sector development strategies in order to better meet current labour market needs and to prepare for the jobs of the future; to expand access to employment-related training so that youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are better able to acquire skills and secure productive and decent work; and to improve the ability of public employment services to provide career guidance, maintain labour exchange services, and deliver active labour market programmes.For more information regarding the ILO’s work on skills and employability go to: http://www.ilo.org/skills/lang--en/index.htm; for ILO/Cinterfor's Knowledge Management Plarform, see: http://www.oitcinterfor.org
Governance and coordination mechanisms
Effective governance and coordination are key elements of successful skill systems. Whilst coordination is an important factor, it needs to operate alongside other key conditions to strengthen governance. When multi-level governance is supported by effective communication, sustainable financing and effective coordination, it has the best chance of supporting the establishment of a lifelong learning ecosystem that enables individuals and enterprises to more effectively navigate the world of work and learning.
Skills policies and strategies
Skills and employment policies should be viewed together. The full value of one policy set is realized when it supports the objectives of the other. For investments in education and training to yield maximum benefit to workers, enterprises, and economies, countries’ capacities for coordination is critical in three areas: connecting basic education to technical training and then to market entry; ensuring continuous communication between employers and training providers so that training meets the needs and aspirations of workers and enterprises, and integrating skills development policies with industrial, investment, trade, technology, environmental, rural and local development policies.
International standards
International conventions and recommendations and other international instruments on human resource and skills development. Strategy papers on the practical application of international standards from international organizations covering issues related to training, effective utilization and development of skills, and on linking skills to employment.
National policies and initiatives
National legislation, policies and initiatives on the issue of training and skills development and the world of work.
Tools and guidance
The platform includes a variety of practical tools and guidance materials developed by the ILO at global and national levels. The resources include guides, case studies, cheklist, visual materials and more, and they cover a wide range of topics. Some are specifically aimed at certain groups of stakeholders, for example employers, workers or governments, and some are designed to support specific groups of beneficiaries.
The MNE Declaration is the only ILO instrument that provides direct guidance to enterprises on social policy and inclusive, responsible and sustainable workplace practices. It is the only global instrument in this area that was elaborated and adopted by governments, employers and workers from around the world. It was adopted more than 40 years ago and amended several times (in 2000, 2006, 2017), most recently in 2022. Its principles are addressed to MNEs, governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations and cover areas such as employment, training, conditions of work and life, and industrial relations as well as general policies. All principles build on international labour standards (ILO conventions and recommendations). The MNE Declaration facilitates outreach and understanding of the Decent Work agenda in the private sector. It is a key instrument guiding the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) agenda to achieve inclusive, sustainable and responsible supply chains.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has a role in establishing principles for governments, employers, workers, and multinational enterprises. The Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy was approved and subsequently amended by the ILO Governing Body. The Declaration aims to guide actions and policies to promote social progress and decent work without maintaining inequalities between multinational and national enterprises. It addresses issues such as forced labour, child labour, employment security, industrial relations, and freedom of association. National focal points are encouraged to promote the principles of the Declaration at the country level. Read more in
- Decision on taking stock five years after the adoption of the revised MNE Declaration
- ILO revises its landmark Declaration on multinational enterprises
