El Siglo Futuro - ILO Governing Body Adopts Enhanced Development Programme for Palestine

GENEVA — The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) unanimously adopted a decision during its 358th Session to implement an enhanced development cooperation programme in the occupied Palestinian Territory. The approval marks a strategic transition from emergency response mechanisms to a structured, multi-year framework aimed at stabilizing labor markets and supporting economic recovery.

The newly approved initiative is designated as the Decent Work and Recovery Programme for the period 2026–2029. This five-year plan succeeds the third Decent Work Programme (2023–2025) and follows the conclusion of the Emergency Response Plan and its associated recovery efforts. The transition is designed to strengthen the rights of Palestinian workers, protect livelihoods, and expand employment opportunities while supporting broader social protection and reconstruction goals.

The session was attended by a tripartite Palestinian delegation representing government, labor, and business interests. Participants included Ibrahim Khraishi, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva; Shaher Saed, Secretary-General of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU); and Abdo Idris, President of the Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (FPCCIA). ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, along with representatives from regional offices and employer and worker groups, also participated in the proceedings.

During the session, Shaher Saed provided a detailed assessment of the current labor crisis facing Palestinian workers. He reported that approximately 250,000 jobs have been lost, resulting in nearly $2 billion in lost labor income. Saed emphasized that the declaration of a ceasefire has not resolved these structural challenges, citing ongoing Israeli attacks, persistent movement restrictions, and the continued destruction of livelihoods as primary obstacles to recovery. He called for immediate measures to protect workers and restore employment opportunities.

Ambassador Khraishi delivered a statement on behalf of the State of Palestine, thanking the ILO Director-General and its offices for preparing the implementation report and continuing support for Palestinian workers. He commended member states and the Employers’ and Workers’ groups for their expressions of solidarity. Khraishi welcomed the transition to the 2026–2029 programme and highlighted the Business Recovery Initiative, noting its contribution to supporting Palestinian economic enterprises and restoring jobs. He stressed the necessity of continuing and expanding these efforts.

The decision received broad support from various regional groups and individual member states during extensive interventions. The Arab Group, the African Group, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed their support for Palestinian workers' rights. They called for sustainable and flexible funding to promote employment, strengthen social protection systems, and restore productive capacities.

Egypt announced its full support for the decision, stressing the need to link relief efforts directly to recovery and reconstruction processes. A coalition of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, the Sultanate of Oman, and Lebanon emphasized the importance of supporting Palestinian institutions, protecting workers’ rights, expanding job opportunities, and strengthening national economic resilience.

Brazil, China, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and Cuba affirmed their support for the ILO’s efforts, particularly its recovery and social protection programmes. The United Kingdom, Lithuania, and France stressed the urgent need to rebuild the economy, provide decent work, and ensure the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid. Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia underscored the importance of supporting Palestinian enterprises and enhancing women’s participation in the labor market.

Catelene Passchier, Chairperson of the Workers’ Group, affirmed her group’s solidarity with Palestinian workers. She called for the mobilization of necessary resources to implement the Decent Work and Recovery Programme and insisted on the participation of workers and their representatives in setting programme priorities to protect their rights and dignity.

Matthias Thorns, representing the Employers’ group, stressed the need to restore the productive capacities of the Palestinian economy. He highlighted the importance of facilitating enterprises’ access to markets and financing, expanding recovery initiatives, and supporting women’s participation in the labor market.

Representatives of the ILO affirmed that the next phase of operations will focus on promoting economic recovery, protecting working conditions, wages, and workers’ rights. The organization plans to expand support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to translate international pledges into tangible job opportunities and improve the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

U.Alonso--ESF