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Meeting with the ILO Director-General, Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo

Director-General Houngbo,

Thank you for receiving us during this busy period. We are keenly aware of the many demands on your time as the Governing Body meets and sincerely appreciate this opportunity for dialogue.

Our delegation has the honour of speaking on behalf of the tripartite constituents that make up the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Employment and Labour Sector, who have entrusted us to convey their collective message to you.

Solidarity

Director-General, our region holds in high regard the longstanding and productive partnership we share with the International Labour Organization. For decades, the ILO has been an indispensable partner in advancing social justice, promoting decent work and strengthening the resilience of labour market institutions across our Community.

Of course, the SADC Member States are mindful that the ILO itself is operating in a constrained global environment. We understand the pressures facing multilateral institutions, particularly in a context where demand for technical support continues to increase while resources remain limited.

We consider the work of the ILO to be more important now than ever. In a global context marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical fragility and widening inequalities, the Organization remains a critical pillar for social cohesion and inclusive growth.

It is therefore important that we continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue on how to safeguard the sustainability of the Organization and ensure the continued delivery of its mandate. The SADC region stands ready to continue working constructively with you and with other partners, including the African constituents, to preserve the effectiveness and relevance of this institution.

Recognition of the Global South's Leadership

Director-General, allow me to acknowledge your leadership since assuming office. We have noted your emphasis on strengthening engagement with developing regions, particularly Africa. Under your leadership, we have seen a deepening of the ILO's engagement with our continent, recognising Africa not only as a recipient of support, but as a partner in shaping global labour policy.

We also wish to acknowledge your efforts in promoting talent from the Global South and fostering a more representative organisational culture. This has been noted and appreciated by our Member States, and has contributed to strengthening the visibility of African perspectives within the ILO. We are confident that future appointments will continue to reflect this balance.

Looking Forward

As we look ahead, we are mindful of the importance of leadership continuity in sustaining institutional reforms and advancing long-term priorities. With the next leadership cycle in 2027 approaching, the SADC region has begun reflecting on the future direction of the Organization and the leadership required to navigate the evolving global labour landscape.

In this context, Director-General, we want you to know that the SADC region stands ready to consolidate its support in a timely manner and to work with other Member States to ensure that the progress achieved under your leadership is sustained.

We raise this matter not to seek an immediate position, but to signal that the region values continuity of vision and the partnership that has been established. When the time is appropriate, we will be ready to act in a coordinated manner in support of that vision, in solidarity with the rest of the African tripartite constituents.

Commitment to Shared Values

Director-General, we raise these matters in the same spirit of transparency, partnership and mutual respect that has long characterised the relationship between the ILO and the SADC region.

In conclusion, allow me to reaffirm the commitment of SADC Member States to the values and principles of this Organization. We remain committed to advancing decent work, social justice and inclusive development across our region.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you and your team.

I thank you. ​

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