Ukraine and the ILO sign Agreement aimed to intensify ILO support for Ukraine
On April 28, on the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev, in the presence of the Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Ukraine, Aida Lindmaier, signed the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities between the Government of Ukraine and the ILO.
This document officially establishes the status of the ILO representation in Ukraine, enabling the organization to significantly expand its technical and investment programs aimed at supporting tripartite partners in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The signing of the Agreement follows the opening of the ILO Office in Ukraine in 2024 and creates new opportunities for cooperation.
“Signing this Agreement creates clearer and more predictable conditions for the work of the ILO Office in Ukraine and strengthens our cooperation in the areas of labor, employment, and occupational safety. We are grateful to the ILO for its expert support in adapting the Labor Code to international labor standards and EU standards, expanding access to training and resources for job creation, launching retraining programs for veterans and internally displaced persons, and assisting in the implementation of modern occupational safety standards, especially in the industrial sector,” said Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The signing took place on World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which is celebrated annually on April 28 in more than 100 countries worldwide. Cooperation with the ILO is an important part of the Government’s broader efforts to modernize the labor market and strengthen the protection of workers’ rights.
“The Agreement confirms the ILO’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine and strengthens our role in the country. It lays the foundation for a future Decent Work Program for Ukraine and expands the ILO’s capacity to provide expert and technical support to tripartite partners. Most importantly, it enhances our contribution to labor market recovery, the development of social dialogue, and economic reconstruction based on decent work,” noted Aida Lindmaier, Director of the ILO Office in Ukraine.
“A modern labor market must be not only productive but also safe, inclusive, and fair. It is important to us that Ukraine’s economic recovery is based on decent work, protection of people in the workplace, and quality social dialogue. This is precisely the logic in which we are developing our partnership with the ILO,” added Oleksii Sobolev.
Background information
The ILO in Ukraine is implementing a comprehensive program to support the Government, employers’ organizations, and trade unions in responding to the challenges of war and rebuilding the labor market. The organization promotes inclusive employment, including through training and entrepreneurship support, the development of childcare services, and the restoration of regional labor markets. At the same time, the ILO strengthens key employment institutions, supports social dialogue, implements occupational safety standards, contributes to enterprise recovery, and provides expert assistance in implementing EU integration reforms and aligning labor legislation with international labor standards.