ILO-Korea partnership builds on achievements to shape future cooperation

BANGKOK (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Republic of Korea are helping countries across the Asia-Pacific region equip workers and enterprises for a changing world of work, with results from five projects providing a foundation for future cooperation.

The achievements and lessons from the projects were reviewed at the 2024–26 ILO/Korea Partnership Programme Asia-Pacific Forum, held in Bangkok from 11 to 13 November 2026. The forum brought together representatives of the Republic of Korea, Korean partner institutions, governments, employers' and workers' organizations from participating countries, and the ILO to review progress and discuss future priorities.

Implemented since July 2024, the projects have supported national efforts to strengthen skills and employment opportunities, improve working conditions and build more resilient labour markets in Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.

“Korea is proud to work with the ILO and our partner countries in Asia and the Pacific. We will continue to support cooperation that starts from what each country needs, and that brings real benefits to workers and young people,” said Jang Hyun-suk, Director-General of International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea.

“The Republic of Korea is a valued partner of the ILO, bringing both strong commitment and technical expertise to our shared efforts to advance decent work across Asia and the Pacific,” said Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, ILO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “Korea's support has resulted in practical results for workers and enterprises, while strengthening national institutions and capacities. We look forward to building on these achievements in the next phase of our cooperation.”

Several initiatives focused on developing and introducing skills standards to help workers and enterprises respond to changing labour market needs.

In the Philippines, three competency standards in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and green construction skills were aligned with national standards, alongside the certification of 22 master trainers specializing in BIM and green construction with support from Korea Polytechnic (KOPO). Over 110 trainees are expected to complete the initial BIM cohorts. In Thailand, digital and green skills standards and training programmes were endorsed and handed over to government, employers' and workers' organizations, supporting their integration into national skills development efforts, with training of trainers planned as the next step.

The partnership also supported youth employment and improved workplace skills.

In Mongolia, the programme supported the expansion of the ILO's Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) approach, benefiting more than 1,500 workers and managers across 17 enterprises in the wool, cashmere and hospitality sectors.

In Viet Nam, employment initiatives reached over 1,300 young people and stakeholders, including training for nearly 200 young people in green jobs, decent work, communication and AI-assisted job searches, alongside expanded awareness-raising and career guidance resources.

Other actions sought to strengthen working conditions and social dialogue. In Cambodia, initiatives strengthened occupational safety and health (OSH) in the construction sector by training safety inspectors, ministry officials and vocational teachers. An OSH campaign on construction sites in Preah Sihanouk provided helmets and safety vests to 500 construction workers, promoting safer working practices.

Activities also supported stronger labour dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms in Cambodia. Conciliation officers from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and provincial offices, workplace managers and trade union representatives received training on grievance mechanisms and collective bargaining.

In Viet Nam, a just transition assessment of the pulp and paper industry was validated, and enterprises began receiving training on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

Held under the theme “From Results to the Next Cycle: Just Transition and Human Capacity in the AI Era”, the forum provided an opportunity to share lessons and explore how future cooperation could respond to evolving national priorities, particularly those arising from digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the transition to greener economies.

Drawing on expertise from Korean institutions, including the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH), Korea Polytechnics (KOPO), Korea Labor and Employment Service (KLES), Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET), Korea Labor Institute (KLI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) and Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL), the discussions are expected to inform the next ILO/Korea Partnership Programme cycle (2027–2030).

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