Dear Leaders,
Our support is based not only on African solidarity, but also on his leadership, performance and the need for continuity at a critical moment for the ILO and the multilateral system.

Mr Houngbo assumed office in October 2022 after becoming the first African to be elected Director-General of the ILO. His election, 103 years after the establishment of the ILO, was a historic milestone. It demonstrated the growing recognition that leadership of multilateral institutions must reflect the diversity of their membership and the contribution of all regions.

His first term has also coincided with one of the most difficult periods for the ILO. The Organisation has faced severe financial constraints arising from disruptions in development cooperation, funding reductions and delays in assessed contributions. The ILO’s own reporting confirms the sustained pressure these constraints have placed on the Organisation. At the same time, as workers, we have been confronted by rising inequality, unemployment, informality, conflict, climate change, technological disruption and continued attacks on fundamental labour rights.

Amid these challenges, Mr Houngbo has provided steady and responsible leadership. He has helped the ILO remain focused on its constitutional mandate, preserved its unique tripartite character and kept social justice, decent work and workers’ rights at the centre of the global agenda. Leadership must be judged not only by what is achieved when resources are plentiful, but also by the ability to preserve an institution’s purpose, unity and direction during a crisis. On this measure, Mr Houngbo has demonstrated the leadership required of an ILO Director-General.

Now that his first term has stabilised and positioned the Organisation, a second term would provide the continuity required to consolidate the progress made, strengthen the ILO’s institutional and financial resilience, and advance a more ambitious agenda for social justice and decent work. Continuity through a second term is well established in the history of the ILO and allows a Director-General sufficient time to translate an initial programme into lasting institutional results.

Supporting Mr Houngbo is not simply about supporting an African candidate. It is about supporting a capable and experienced leader who has demonstrated that he can steer the ILO through uncertainty. It is also about defending an inclusive multilateral system in which Africa is not merely represented but is trusted to lead.

ITUC-Africa therefore encourages all affiliates to:
• Formally endorse the candidature of Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo for a second term.
• Engage their governments and encourage them to support his re-election and to reach out to other governments under the instrumentality of diplomacy, courtesy and internationalism.
• Mobilise support among workers’ representatives serving on the ILO Governing Body.
• Promote his candidature within national, regional and international trade union structures.
• Communicate the importance of continuity, representative leadership and a strong, worker-centred ILO.

The re-election of Mr Gilbert F. Houngbo will provide the ILO with the experienced leadership and stability it needs to navigate the present challenges and emerge stronger. ITUC-Africa therefore calls upon the African trade union movement to speak with one voice and mobilise decisively in support of his second term. An African leader has steadied the ship through the storm. Let us give him the mandate to strengthen it for the journey ahead.

In Solidarity,

Akhator Joel ODIGIE
General Secretary