ILO Department of Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition (ENTERPRISES)
Who we are and what we do
The ILO Department of Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition (ENTERPRISES) has the overall objective to promote sustainable enterprises to achieve the ILO goal of social justice through decent work. Recognizing that sustainable enterprises of all sizes and forms are the principal source of economic growth, wealth and decent work creation, the Department promotes and develops sustainable enterprises and provides policy, advisory and capacity development services to the ILO鈥檚 tripartite constituents on promoting sustainable enterprises.
The Department is responsible for supporting ILO Member States in fostering a conducive environment for sustainable enterprises, productivity growth and a just transition to environmentally sustainable economies and societies. Specifically, we offer policy advice and capacity development to help ILO constituents create supportive policy frameworks for sustainable enterprises and enhance financial and business support systems. We promote inclusive and sustainable business models and practices that emphasize innovation, resource efficiency, and high standards for labour. Additionally, we assist countries in transitioning informal enterprises into the formal economy and encourage the growth of the social and solidarity economy.
The Department is organized around four thematic priorities and units: Cooperative, Social and Solidarity Economy Unit, Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct Unit, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Branch and Social Finance Unit, with support from a Management Support Unit coordinating the department鈥檚 work plan, communication, partnerships and environmental initiatives.
Why sustainable enterprises matter
Around the world, demand is growing for businesses that are motivated by more than just profit. Companies and consumers are increasingly looking for products and services that have a positive impact on the community, the environment and society.
It is in workplaces that the social, economic and environmental dimensions come together inseparably. Sustainable enterprises are a principal source of growth, wealth creation, employment and decent work. Therefore, fostering sustainable enterprises is a major tool for achieving decent work, sustainable development and innovation that improves standards of living and social conditions.
How we make a difference
Our Global Technical Team unites staff from ILO HQ, field offices and the International Training Centre in Turin to deliver ILO sustainable enterprises agenda. Technical Specialists on Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition are based in a range of Decent Work Technical Support Teams in all regions.
At the global level, we engage in rigorous policy research, create impactful knowledge products and actionable tools, foster knowledge exchange among Member States, and champion global policy reforms.
At the country level, we provide technical assistance to Member States through our specialists in Decent Work Technical Support Teams and initiatives such as the .
Through our action, we envision countries where conditions are favourable for sustainable enterprises to thrive, contribute to social justice and generate decent jobs.
Our teams
Contact us
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Email: ENTERPRISES@ilo.org
Areas of work
Sustainable enterprises
Cooperatives
Social and Solidarity Economy
Multinational Enterprises聽
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Responsible business conduct
Social Finance聽
Just transitions
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