Arab States hold first tripartite workshop to advance international labour standards

The workshop examined how ILS can guide Arab countries through ongoing economic transitions, labour market reforms, and social protection modernization.

Senior officials from ministries of labour and social affairs, leaders of employers’ organizations and trade unions, and ILO experts from across the Arab region have concluded the first-of-its-kind tripartite regional workshop dedicated to International Labour Standards (ILS). The three-day training, held in Muscat, Oman, focused on turning global labour standards into practical tools for labour market reform, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

Co-organized by Oman’s Ministry of Labour, the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in GCC States, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), the workshop ran from 15 to 17 December 2025.

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Applying International Labour Standards to Real-World Labour Reforms

The workshop examined how ILS can guide Arab countries through ongoing economic transitions, labour market reforms, and social protection modernization. Topics included:

• Occupational safety and health

• Forced labour prevention

• Violence and harassment in the world of work

• Fundamental principles and rights at work

• Compliance systems and streamlined national reporting

Participants analysed how ILS support legal certainty, fair policy design, institutional credibility, and trust among governments, employers, and workers—while helping prevent disputes and enable more stable, competitive labour markets.

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Director-General Houngbo: Standards Are “Instruments for Managing Change”

Opening the workshop during his official visit to Oman, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized that labour standards are not abstract rules but practical instruments for managing economic and social change.

“International labour standards have been the backbone of social justice since the ILO’s founding,” Houngbo said.“They remain essential for building trust, stability, and fairness in labour markets today. This workshop marks an important step for the Arab region.”

He thanked Oman and the GCC Executive Bureau for championing stronger labour governance and social dialogue across the region.

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Sharing Experiences, Addressing Challenges, Strengthening Dialogue

Participants exchanged national experiences and best practices, highlighting:

• Challenges in reporting and compliance

• Strategies for improving national consultation processes

• Ways employers’ and workers’ organizations can contribute to labour reform

• The importance of aligning labour reforms with international obligations

The workshop strengthened participants' capacity to use ILO tools such as NORMLEX to support monitoring, reporting, and evidence-based policymaking.

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A Two-Phase Learning Model for Sustained Capacity Building

The training is part of a blended learning initiative led by ITCILO:

• Phase 1: In-person regional workshop in Muscat

• Phase 2: Online learning modules to deepen technical understanding

This structure ensures that participants not only begin learning during the workshop but also continue developing knowledge and applying tools long after the event concludes.

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Groundwork Laid for National Follow-Up

The workshop ended with agreements to pursue targeted national follow-up, including:

• Tailored technical assistance from the ILO

• Capacity-building aligned with country reform agendas

• Expansion of tripartite dialogue on labour reforms

• Strengthening national systems to uphold international labour standards

As many Arab States accelerate reforms in labour markets and social protection, this foundational workshop is expected to help anchor those reforms in international norms, tripartite cooperation, and rights-based approaches.