Over the past two decades, the Asia and the Pacific region has made significant progress in reducing child labour. However, structural challenges, such as informality, limited access to social protection, persistent inequality, and the impacts of climate and economic crises continue to affect millions of children and adolescents.
In light of this, the Sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, to be hosted by the Government of Morocco in 2026, offers a pivotal opportunity to take stock of progress, renew commitments, and strengthen global efforts. The ILO Governing Body has endorsed the preparatory process and mandated the convening of regional tripartite consultations across Africa, the Americas, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and Central Asia (see GB.353/POL/4, paragraphs 12-17). These consultations will engage tripartite stakeholders to ensure that regional priorities and perspectives are central in the global dialogue.
Purpose
The Asia and the Pacific Regional Tripartite Consultation aims to:
- Discuss progress since 2022 toward the elimination of child labour and key regional developments that have impacted prevention and elimination efforts.
- Review broad policy approaches currently adopted in the region, referencing the Durban Call to Action, and take stock of achievements, gaps, and successful experiences.
- Identify policy priorities and consolidate commitment at regional and national levels to accelerate progress in line with SDG Target 8.7.
- Contribute to the agenda and outcome document of the Sixth Global Conference with regional inputs.
Composition
The consultation will bring together:
- Governments: One representative from each of the 34 ILO member States under the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (excluding Myanmar and Afghanistan), including: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kiribati, Korea (Republic of), Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Viet Nam.
Note: For Myanmar and Afghanistan, invitations will be extended to employers' and workers' organizations only, in line with ILO's current participation policy.
- Employers: 38 participants - one national-level representative per country, plus one from ASEAN and one from South Asia.
- Workers: 38 participants - one national-level representative per country, plus one from ASEAN and one from South Asia.
Format and engagement
The consultation will include:
- Live sessions via Zoom.
- Online discussion forums.
- Pre-event questionnaire.
- A repository of documentation, good practices, and policy materials.
Outcomes
Expected outcomes include:
- A validated regional document: "Towards the sixth Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour".
- Policy recommendations for the elimination of child labour.
- Contributions to the agenda and outcomes of the Sixth Global Conference.
- Strengthened collaboration with other sub-regions.
- Technical and policy foundations for the IV Strategic Plan (2026-2030) of the Regional Initiative.
