Senior officials from ministries of labour and social affairs, leaders of employers’ organizations and trade unions, along with ILO experts from across the Arab States, concluded the region’s first tripartite workshop on International Labour Standards in Muscat, Oman. The workshop addressed pressing labour issues in the region, focusing on the practical application of international standards to support labour market reform and sustainable economic and social outcomes. It was co-organized by Oman’s Ministry of Labour, the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in Gulf Cooperation Council States, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) from 15 to 17 December 2025.
The training highlighted the role of international labour standards in promoting inclusive growth, effective labour governance, social stability, and sustainable reform. Discussions emphasized translating standards into practice, fulfilling international obligations, strengthening social dialogue, protecting workers’ rights, and supporting productive enterprises. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo underscored that international labour standards are practical instruments for managing change and fostering social cohesion, noting their continued importance for building trust, stability, and fairness in labour markets.
Participants explored how standards on occupational safety and health, forced labour, violence and harassment, and fundamental rights at work provide guidance for managing economic and social change. The workshop highlighted how these standards contribute to balanced policy design, legal certainty, and institutional credibility, while helping prevent disputes and build trust among governments, employers, and workers.
National experiences and best practices were shared, along with common reporting and compliance challenges. Participants analyzed streamlined reporting requirements and discussed ways to enhance employers’ and workers’ organizations’ contributions to standards-related consultations and national labour reforms. The workshop also strengthened participants’ capacity to use ILO tools, including NORMLEX, for compliance and evidence-based policymaking.
The workshop concluded with plans for targeted national follow-up, including technical assistance and capacity-building aligned with country reform priorities. Delivered through a blended approach, the initiative combined the in-person workshop in Muscat with online learning modules, enabling participants to deepen their technical knowledge of ILO standards while creating a sustainable pathway for continued learning beyond the three-day event.
