The Government of Azerbaijan, alongside the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK), the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation (AHIK) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) signed the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2025-2029 on 25 November, marking a significant step towards advancing inclusive employment, social dialogue and international labour standards in the country.
© Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Key priorities
The new DWCP sets a shared four-year framework aligned with national development priorities to expand productive employment, reinforce labour market institutions and promote rights at work in line with the country's development agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It identifies three strategic priorities:
- Inclusive growth that reduces vulnerability, builds resilience and prepares for the future of work
- Stronger institutions for better public and social services delivery
- Mainstreaming international labour standards in policy and practice through social dialogue
Perspectives on the new Programme
The signing of the National Decent Work Programme 2025-2029 marks an important milestone for Azerbaijan. Anar Aliyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population, emphasized: "We are confident that our cooperation with the ILO and with social partners based on the principles of tripartism will continue through the DWCP signed today. This Programme will serve as an important platform for jointly addressing the new challenges emerging in the field of labour."
Mammad Musayev, President of the ASK, welcomed the DWCP as "a reaffirmation of our country's commitment to placing the human factor at the centre of our development model, to social justice, and to sustainable economic progress."
Sahib Mammadov, Chairman of the AHIK, noted that the new DWCP "represents an important step towards improving working conditions, expanding social protection for workers and supporting sustainable economic development. It reflects the country's commitment to strengthening social dialogue and promoting fair and inclusive employment."
Mikhail Pouchkin, Director of the ILO Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted the country's progress on labour market reforms and underlined the importance of continued engagement on youth employment, skills development and labour migration governance.
Looking ahead
The DWCP 2025-2029 provides a framework for joint action to advance social justice through inclusive labour market policies, stronger institutions and effective social dialogue. Implementation will build on the achievements of the previous two DWCP cycles and will involve development of detailed workplans and continued collaboration with national and international partners.
The ILO stands ready to assist Azerbaijan in translating the DWCP into concrete action through tailored technical support and strengthened cooperation with tripartite partners.
