A signing ceremony was held for the new “Decent Work Country Programme for 2025–2029” between Azerbaijan and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The event was attended by Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation Sahib Mammadov, President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team and Country Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Mikhail Pushkin, the ILO National Coordinator in Azerbaijan Yashar Hamzayev, and others.

Anar Aliyev emphasized that the new Country Programme is aligned with the goals of “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development”, approved by President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda. He noted that the concept of decent work is based on components such as labour rights, employment, social protection and social dialogue.

It was stated that the rights of citizens in accordance with these principles are firmly enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in 59 ILO conventions and 1 protocol ratified by Azerbaijan, and in national labour and social protection legislation.

It was highlighted that two previous Decent Work Country Programmes were successfully implemented, and purposeful activities have been carried out in line with ILO principles on decent work.

Sahib Mammadov and Mammad Musayev noted the effective tripartite cooperation in ensuring decent work in Azerbaijan and emphasized the importance of the new 2025–2029 Decent Work Country Programme developed jointly by the ILO and national social partners.

Mikhail Pushkin stated that the new Programme reflects the successful continuation of Azerbaijan’s effective cooperation with the ILO.

The Programme was then signed by Anar Aliyev, Sahib Mammadov, Mammad Musayev and Mikhail Pushkin. Its main purpose is to further develop labour relations and ensure decent work by strengthening efforts in employment, social protection, occupational safety and health, implementation of international labour standards and social dialogue. The document will also expand and further strengthen the effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ILO.

During the meeting between Anar Aliyev and Mikhail Pushkin following the event, the active cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ILO was emphasized. It was noted that Azerbaijan is finalizing the ratification process of the ILO Convention on the Framework for Occupational Safety and Health.

Views were exchanged on the work to be carried out under the newly signed 2025–2029 Decent Work Country Programme.