the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK), headed by its
Chairman, Sahib Mammadov, held a series of meetings at the
International Labour Organization (ILO) during its visit to Geneva,
Switzerland, Trend reports.
During meetings with Ms. Beate Andrees, ILO Regional Director
for Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Maria Helena Andre, Director of
the Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ILO-ACTRAV), and other senior
officials of the organization, discussions focused on the relations
between the two entities, implemented joint projects and
activities, and cooperation priorities for 2025-2026.
The Chairman of the Confederation emphasized that protecting the
labor rights of Azerbaijani citizens is a priority of the country’s
state policy. He provided information on the measures taken and
services provided to protect the labor, social, and economic rights
of union members, ensure their health, and organize their treatment
and recreation, as well as the innovations applied in this field.
He noted that since its early years of independence, Azerbaijan has
been a member of the ILO and has ratified 59 of the organization’s
conventions on workers’ rights. He also highlighted that
preparations are underway for the ratification of the “Social
Security (Minimum Standards)” Convention.
He stressed that the AHİK and its member organizations closely
collaborate with the ILO to continuously improve working conditions
and strengthen the social protection of workers. AHİK
representatives actively participate in the organization’s sessions
and discussions. With the support of the ILO, more than 40
seminars, conferences, and roundtable discussions involving experts
and representatives from both parties have been held in Baku and
other regions of the country.
The meetings also highlighted the adoption by AHİK of the
development strategy, “UN Sustainable Development Goals Agenda
2015-2030 – A Development Strategy for Promoting the Sustainable
Growth of Trade Unions.” AHİK was noted as one of two
ILO-recognized priority trade unions for the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Furthermore, with the support of the ILO, more than 10
educational materials aimed at protecting workers’ socio-economic
rights and addressing social problems have been published,
including a report titled “Review and Evaluation of Measures Taken
in Azerbaijan for the Implementation of the Sustainable Development
Goals by 2030.”
The meetings at the ILO also addressed the significance of the
principle of fairness during the transition to a “green economy”
and the responsibilities of trade unions in this process. The
importance of decisions made at COP29, held in Azerbaijan in
November of the previous year, was also emphasized.
The AHİK delegation requested the expedited approval of the
“Decent Work Country Program for 2025-2029,” which is scheduled to
be signed with the ILO.
ILO representatives noted the importance that Azerbaijani trade
unions place on the organization’s conventions and recommendations,
expressing confidence in the further expansion of the
partnership.
The parties discussed cooperation plans for 2025-2026, including
ensuring labor safety, promoting social dialogue, strengthening the
rights of women and youth in the labor process, and encouraging the
creation of “green” jobs. They also exchanged views on the
proposals presented during the meetings.