ILO Launches Global Database to Strengthen Social Dialogue Institutions

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has unveiled a new global database on National Social Dialogue Institutions (NSDIs), marking the 50th anniversary of the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144), a landmark international agreement designed to promote cooperation among governments, employers and workers on labour issues.

According to the ILO, the database is intended to support governments, employers’ organisations, workers’ organisations, researchers and other stakeholders in developing stronger, evidence-based social dialogue policies and institutions across countries and regions.

“The database is designed to support governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, researchers, and ILO constituents in strengthening evidence-based social dialogue policies and institutions across countries and regions,” the organisation said.

Established in 1919 in the aftermath of World War I, the ILO is the oldest specialised agency in the United Nations system. It was founded on the principle that lasting peace can only be achieved through social justice. The organisation brings together governments, employers and workers in a unique tripartite structure to develop international labour standards, promote decent work, improve working conditions and strengthen social protection worldwide.

Convention No. 144, adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1976 and entering into force on May 16, 1978, requires ratifying countries to establish effective procedures for consultation between governments, employers and workers on matters related to international labour standards.

The newly launched database seeks to deepen understanding of social dialogue institutions globally by providing both quantitative and qualitative information on national mechanisms for tripartite consultation and cooperation.

The quantitative component is already available through the ILO National Social Dialogue Institutions Database and enables users to compare countries regionally and globally based on criteria such as the type of institution, date of establishment and composition. Users can also generate regional and global statistics, produce comparative diagrams and visualisations, create world maps illustrating the distribution of different institutional models, and access comparative information on key labour conventions.

Among the conventions featured are Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, Convention No. 135 on Workers’ Representatives, Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultation, Convention No. 151 on Labour Relations in the Public Service, and Convention No. 154 on Collective Bargaining.

The ILO noted that qualitative regional tables will be introduced in phases, with Europe and Central Asia scheduled for release before the start of the 2026 International Labour Conference. Additional regional data will be added shortly thereafter.

The initiative reflects the ILO’s continuing efforts to strengthen social dialogue, which the organisation regards as a critical tool for promoting labour rights, resolving workplace disputes, improving productivity and fostering inclusive economic development.

By making comparative information more accessible, the ILO hopes the database will help policymakers, employers and workers better understand how social dialogue institutions operate across the world and identify best practices that can strengthen labour relations and governance in their own countries.