323rd Session of Governing Body, 12-27 March, 2015

GB.323/POL/5

Fifth Item on the Agenda

ILO’s Development Cooperation Strategy 2015-17

Mr. Chairperson,

We thank the Office for presenting a comprehensive document on ILO’s Development Cooperation Strategy.

We believe that aligning development cooperation strategy of ILO with Sustainable Development Goals of UNO will add to achieve the bigger goal of a better world while improving substantially the strength of Decent Work Agenda of office.

We welcome the proposed participative consultative mechanism with the member constituents and social partners in strategic matters concerning development cooperation. Regional and Country Offices of ILO may play the lead role by involving the national partners in identifying the key priorities of constituents.  This will not only improve the delivery outcome but also minimise the cost factor.

We take note of the refined deliverables and targets of the ILO’s Development Cooperation Strategy 2015-17 and recall the 322nd session of GB where BRICS countries for a focused approach. We believe that the focus should be on long-term commitments to support development, prevent crises and built resilience.

Capacity development is one of the key elements of development cooperation strategy under the auspices of ILO. Decent Work Country Prograamme is an indispensable tool of ILO to extend technical expertise to tripartite partners on core labour issues. Synergizing the DWCP with the activities of national government is an important action area for reinforcing the national priorities and goals in a mutually exclusive way. In India Decent Work Country Programme (2013-17) has been aligned with the goals and objectives of five Year plan (2012-17) document of Govt of India.

To ensure effectiveness of development cooperation, adequate decentralization of the ongoing projects of ILO at country and regional level is necessary with involvement of national expertise and inputs. Taking into consideration the diverse situations in the Member States of ILO, there is a need for meeting the quality requirements while assuring the value for money and improved efficiency.

For the proposed integrated resource management we feel that While traditional development cooperation with other countries must remain at the centre of ILO’s cooperation activities, south-south and triangular Cooperation modalities have important complementary roles. A sustainable resource-base can be built through innovative and diversified approach.Diversified and decentralized resource mobilization strategy at regional and sub-regional level on PPP mode can be helpful to ensure greater predictability and also help reinforcing convergence efforts at local level.

Mr. Chairperson,

Mainstreaming decent work agenda in the national context is the foremost priority for development cooperation. An effective strategy requires the commitment of all members based on tripartite consultation. We hope the ongoing GB will bring consensus on the draft decision.

Thank you.