ILO chief urges human-centred AI policies as global labour risks mount

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has called for a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence (AI), warning that the future of work will depend not only on technological progress but also on policies, institutions and social dialogue that shape its impact on workers.

Opening the 114th ILO Conference in Geneva, Houngbo said governments, employers and workers must work together to ensure that AI supports decent work and shared prosperity rather than deepening inequalities.

“The future of work will not be determined by technology alone, but by the policies, institutions and social dialogue that guide it,” Houngbo said in his opening address.

Drawing from his report, Houngbo outlined a four-pillar strategy focused on rights, employment and skills, social protection, and social dialogue.

He stressed that workers globally should benefit fairly from AI-driven productivity gains through improved wages, stronger labour protections and inclusive economic growth. 

“Collective bargaining will be essential, alongside AI governance grounded in transparency, accountability and human oversight,” he said.

Houngbo cautioned that the choices governments and businesses make today would determine whether AI broadens opportunities or increases insecurity and inequality in labour markets.

The ILO chief also highlighted mounting geopolitical and economic pressures affecting workers worldwide, particularly in the Middle East.

“We meet at a time of profound uncertainty. The global economy remains fragile and the crisis in the Middle East has emerged as a major source of risk for workers, enterprises and communities,” Houngbo said.

He pointed to risks faced by seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, migrant workers in Gulf countries, agricultural workers in southern Lebanon, and businesses and workers across sectors in Iran.

According to ILO estimates, a prolonged oil-shock scenario could reduce global working hours by the equivalent of 14 million full-time jobs this year and 38 million next year. 

Labour income losses could reach as high as US$3 trillion by 2027, with the Arab States expected to face the most severe impacts alongside spillover effects across Asia-Pacific economies.

The annual ILC, which brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from the ILO’s 187 member states, will discuss a wide range of labour and employment issues with long-term implications for the global workforce.

A key focus this year will be the second discussion on decent work in the platform economy. The ILC Standard-Setting Committee is expected to examine draft international labour standards covering digital platform workers, including employment protections and the use of automated systems by labour platforms.

If adopted, the standards would become the first international labour framework specifically addressing the impact of digitalisation on the world of work.

The Conference will also hold discussions on gender equality in employment, with a focus on structural barriers limiting opportunities for women and policies needed to ensure technological, environmental and demographic transitions create more inclusive labour markets.

Another committee will examine the role of social dialogue and tripartism in addressing digital transformation, demographic change and rising inequality while strengthening labour market governance.