Baku, April 15, 2025 — The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), for a high-level meeting in Baku on Monday, with discussions focused on deepening cooperation in the fields of employment, social welfare, and labor reforms.
During the meeting, President Aliyev highlighted the significant progress Azerbaijan has achieved under his leadership, particularly in improving labor conditions, expanding employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall social protection system. He emphasized that these reforms are integral to the country’s long-term development agenda.
President Aliyev also recalled the extensive destruction of infrastructure across Azerbaijani territories during the period of occupation. In this context, he stressed that alongside the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the liberated areas, creating sustainable employment opportunities for returning residents remains a top national priority. The President expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation with the ILO would contribute meaningfully to addressing these challenges.
Director-General Houngbo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the Azerbaijani Head of State. He acknowledged the successful implementation of two Decent Work Country Programs between Azerbaijan and the ILO, which have laid a strong foundation for bilateral collaboration. He informed President Aliyev that work is currently underway to finalize the draft of the “Decent Work Country Program for 2025–2029.”
Houngbo commended Azerbaijan’s innovative DOST (Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision) concept, describing it as a model worthy of international study. He underscored the value of sharing experiences and best practices related to social sector reforms and expressed the ILO’s keen interest in further engagement in this area.
Referring to recent discussions held within the framework of Azerbaijan’s upcoming presidency of COP29, Houngbo noted the productive dialogue on a just transition and welcomed the establishment of the Regional Working Group for Europe and Central Asia as a notable outcome of the proceedings.
Reaffirming the ILO’s strong commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development, Houngbo pledged continued partnership in advancing the country’s priorities in the areas of labor rights, social justice, and inclusive growth.
