The G20 Leaders’ Declaration adopted in Johannesburg underscores the critical link between industrialization, decent work, social protection and labour rights as essential drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Meeting under the theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability, world leaders affirmed that employment must remain central to economic policymaking and that decent work is fundamental to productivity, equity and long-term stability.
The Declaration highlights the risks posed by inequality, unemployment, underemployment and informal work to both economic and social cohesion. It stresses the need for stronger labour institutions, fair wage-setting systems and universal, adaptable social protection to reduce disparities and build resilience. Leaders also celebrated the significance of hosting the G20 Summit on African soil, acknowledging the “spirit of Ubuntu” and committing to global solidarity and multilateral cooperation to ensure no one is left behind.
A strong emphasis was placed on gender equality, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to empowering women and girls, eliminating discrimination and accelerating action to eradicate all forms of violence, including sexual violence and harassment. They also called for comprehensive care policies by 2030, guided by the ILO’s 5R framework to ensure decent care work.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo welcomed the G20’s commitment to multilateralism and social justice, noting that these pledges demonstrate a meaningful shift toward transforming decent work and equality from aspiration into lived reality. His remarks underscored the importance of solidarity and sustainability as foundations for inclusive growth.
The Declaration also endorsed two major commitments from the 2025 G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting: the Nelson Mandela Bay Youth Target, aimed at reducing the share of youth not in employment, education or training by 5 per cent by 2030, and the Brisbane–EThekwini Goal, which seeks to reduce gender gaps in labour force participation by 25 per cent by 2030 and promote equal pay. The ILO and OECD have been tasked with monitoring progress on both targets.
The ILO reaffirmed its dedication to supporting G20 members, partners and the wider international community in turning these pledges into concrete policies that deliver real improvements for workers and enterprises worldwide.
