The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with its International Training Centre, has launched the Diploma in Evidence-Based Public Policy for Decent Work and Social Justice to meet the growing global demand for data-driven policymaking in the rapidly evolving world of work. The programme was introduced during a virtual open house on 23 January 2026, which brought together participants from over 40 countries. It is designed for policymakers, government officials, representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, development partners, and academic institutions, aiming to promote fair and inclusive decision-making amid challenges such as climate change, rising inequalities, conflicts, economic volatility, and technological disruption.
Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ILO Research Department, emphasized that the Diploma addresses the gap between research and actionable policy, equipping participants to translate evidence into effective decisions with clarity, integrity, and impact. The launch event included a keynote by Professor Jayati Ghosh from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who highlighted the importance of accountability in using data for policy decisions and the potential pitfalls in the interpretation of statistics.
Running from January to December 2026, the Diploma comprises five modular courses delivered online and in hybrid format, covering topics such as the policy–evidence nexus, research methods for labour and social policies, communicating evidence effectively, labour market data and statistics, and practical international training in policy implementation. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises including developing real-world policy briefs, peer learning, and mentoring from global experts.
Building on ILO’s longstanding commitment to advancing decent work, labour standards, and social justice, the programme leverages more than a decade of experience training over 1,000 policymakers across 60+ countries. The initiative reinforces the principle that effective policy is grounded in evidence, equipping participants to make informed decisions that can drive tangible social and economic outcomes.
