The Government of the Republic of Korea is scaling up its support to the International Labour Organization, accelerating efforts to deliver decent work and social justice globally.
An agreement signed in Bangkok on 10 April 2025, will see the Republic of Korea provide an additional US$2.8 million to the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP) taking the total funding to US$11.95 million for the 2024-26 period.
The funds will support global initiatives as well as projects in the Asia-Pacific region on transitions to a greener economy, youth employment and skills. Increased support will also be provided to the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions which seeks to create jobs and social protection worldwide.
The agreement was signed by the Director General of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MOEL), Park Il-Hoon, and the ILO Assistant Director-General for Jobs and Social Protection, Mia Seppo, at the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok.
Speaking at the signing, Mr Park said, “The Government of the Republic of Korea takes pride in its history of transforming from a recipient of international assistance to a donor country. Since launching the partnership programme with the ILO in 2004 with an initial contribution of US$500,000, Korea has demonstrated a model partnership, with support expanding to over US$10 million in a single cycle (2024–2026). Building on this, the Korean government is committed to playing a greater role in the international community and will actively participate in and support initiatives that contribute to the well-being of other countries.”
Ms Seppo said, “We deeply value the Republic of Korea’s continued and increased support to the ILO. This contribution is not only a testament to Korea’s strong commitment to decent work and social justice but also a vote of confidence in the ILO’s capacity to deliver meaningful impact on the ground. Together, we are accelerating action towards more inclusive, sustainable and resilient labour markets—globally and in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The Republic of Korea plays a growing role as a key partner in the ILO’s development cooperation programme. The ILO-Korea Partnership Programme for 2024-26 was signed in June 2024. It focuses on labour market policies and employment services, youth employment, social protection, occupational safety and health, international labour standards, and cooperatives as well as support to the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions.
