Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has called for a more representative and inclusive International Labour Organization (ILO), stressing the need for stronger global cooperation to address emerging challenges in the world of work.

The minister made the remarks while participating in a high-level ministerial luncheon hosted by Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Johannes Alexander Vijlbrief on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, according to a message received here today. 

Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva Nahida Sobhan accompanied the minister at the event, which brought together labour ministers and senior officials from Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa and the ILO.

During the discussion, Ariful underscored the importance of democratising global labour governance and expressed support for the entry into force of the 1986 Instrument for the Amendment of the ILO Constitution, saying a more representative organisation would enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness.

He said that while the ILO has made significant contributions to promoting labour rights, greater emphasis is needed on job creation, entrepreneurship and skills development.

Referring to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and automation, the minister called for enhanced international cooperation to strengthen digital literacy and equip workers with future-ready skills for greater participation in the global economy.

He also highlighted labour migration as a pathway to decent work and urged the ILO to intensify efforts to expand safe, orderly and regular labour mobility opportunities for developing countries.

Bangladesh appreciated the Netherlands' initiative to convene an inclusive dialogue involving countries from different regions and development levels to discuss the future direction of the ILO.

Among the participants were Brazil's Labour and Employment Minister Luiz Marinho, South Africa's Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, Canada's Labour Minister John Zerucelli, ILO Assistant Director-General Laura Thompson and ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Peter van Rooij.