The International Labour Organization (ILO) has praised the G20’s adoption of new targets aimed at reducing youth unemployment and addressing gender inequality in the workforce.
Speaking at the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in George, South Africa, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo welcomed commitments including the Nelson Mandela Bay Youth Target and the Brisbane–eThekwini Goal.
G20 countries pledged to cut the proportion of youth aged 15–29 not in education, employment, or training (NEET) by 5% by 2030. They also committed to narrowing the gender labour participation gap by 25% by 2030 and reducing the gender pay gap by 15% by 2035.
Houngbo called these steps economically and morally imperative, with potential to spur inclusive growth. The Ministerial Declaration—drafted with ILO input—also emphasised the role of social dialogue, collective bargaining, and digital transformation in achieving fair and sustainable labour outcomes.
