A meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization was also held on the sidelines of the session.

The 114th Session of the International Labour Conference is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, with the participation of government representatives and social partners from member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Addressing the session, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev, noted that expanding digital solutions and ensuring the effective use of artificial intelligence are among Azerbaijan’s key priorities. He highlighted the work carried out in this direction and emphasized the achievements of the social reforms implemented in recent years under the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, including significant increases in social payments and the number of employment contracts.

The Minister stated that more than 90 percent of the country’s 150 labour, employment, and social protection services have been digitalized, while over 50 services are provided proactively. The “Labour and Employment” subsystem serves as a unified digital platform for labour relations and enables electronic auditing of compliance with labour legislation. Ninety-seven percent of active employment contracts have been concluded electronically through this system.

Anar Aliyev also highlighted the advantages and achievements of the DOST concept. He noted that Azerbaijan has acceded to 60 ILO Conventions and is currently considering the ratification of four additional conventions. Referring to recent amendments to the country’s labour legislation in line with international standards, the Minister stated that Azerbaijan hosted COP29 in 2024 and the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) this year. These major international events reaffirm the country’s active role in shaping the global agenda on climate, urbanization, and the future of work.

The Minister further noted that two Decent Work Country Programmes between Azerbaijan and the ILO have been successfully implemented, and that a new Decent Work Country Programme for 2025–2029 was signed at the end of last year. He also highlighted the large-scale reconstruction and development efforts underway in the liberated territories, emphasizing the measures being taken to ensure decent living conditions, employment opportunities, and economic activity for returning residents.

On the sidelines of the session, Anar Aliyev met with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. During the meeting, both sides emphasized the productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ILO. Discussions covered the extensive application of digital solutions in labour relations, gender-related reforms introduced into labour legislation in recent years, the ratification process of new ILO instruments, and prospects for future cooperation.