Social Partners And Civil Society Organizations Gather At ILO Project Marketplace In Türkiye

More than 50 organizations receiving grant support from ILO came together at the ILO Project Marketplace in Ankara to share experience and seek for collaboration opportunities. Financed by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, the event highlighted the power of partnerships in defending and promoting fundamental principles and rights at work in a changing world of work.

The Marketplace was organized under the EU-funded project "Strengthening Social Partners and Civil Society Capacities on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work", implemented by the ILO Türkiye Office. The event provided a platform for social partners and civil society organizations to showcase their projects, share experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Collective action for fundamental rights

ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration: "Today is a special day for the ILO in Türkiye. We are proud to bring together employers' and workers' organizations, along with civil society, to strengthen the partnerships we have built for promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW). FPRW lies at the heart of the ILO's constitutional mandate, and Türkiye has ratified all 10 fundamental conventions. By promoting FPRW, we help ensure that governments, employers, and workers uphold the basic human values essential for economic growth and social progress. The Marketplace we held today is designed as a living platform, one that fosters dialogue, creates space for long-term collaboration, and builds stronger alliances among natural partners for a more sustainable future. Grateful to our partners at the EU for their support in making this possible."

Maria Luisa Wyganowski, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Türkiye, underlined the importance of the European Union's partnership with the ILO for strengthening social dialogue and promoting a rights-based approach and emphasized the European Union's commitment:

"The European Union is proud to support this initiative, which strengthens the capacity of social partners and civil society. These partnerships are crucial for advancing a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable world of work."

Marketplace sessions drive dialogue and collaboration

The event featured two "Marketplace" sessions, where organizations presented their projects, exchanged ideas, and explored new avenues for collaboration. Projects covered a broad spectrum of issues, including women's empowerment, youth employment, occupational safety and health, combating informal work, elimination of child labour, and promoting disability inclusion in the workforce.

During the closing session, participants emphasized that strong social dialogue and partnerships are key to safeguarding fundamental rights at work and advancing the decent work agenda in Türkiye. They expressed their appreciation to the ILO for providing a platform that fosters meaningful connections and collaboration.

The ILO Türkiye Office reaffirmed its commitment to supporting social partners and civil society through capacity-building, dialogue, and cooperation, emphasizing that collective action and shared knowledge are key to fostering a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world of work.