The delegation was received by the ILO Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights and Dialogue, Manuela Tomei, together with members of the ILO's International Labour Standards Department. The visit formed part of the events marking the centenary of the profession in Spain. "We are a profession that proudly celebrates one hundred years of history. Social justice is our emblem, our origin and our raison d'être," said Joaquín Merchán, President of the Labour Relations Graduates of Spain.
For the first time, the Labour Relations Graduates of Spain visited the ILO headquarters in Geneva, highlighting the close link between the profession and the ILO's mission, as the global forum addressing labour challenges worldwide. The visit underscored their collaboration in promoting decent work and defending labour rights at both the national and international levels.
Labour Relations Graduates share the ILO's founding commitment: to build universal peace through social justice, by defending decent work, equality and the dignity of workers. "Decent work is the paradigm of social justice, and Labour Relations Graduates are its advocates," Merchán added during the visit.
During the day, Manuela Tomei thanked the delegation for their visit and praised their contribution: "They are an essential link in ensuring the effective application of labour law; without their work it would be much more difficult to achieve compliance."
Following the welcome, Joaquín Merchán delivered the lecture "Decent Work as one of the Paradigms of Social Justice", stressing that ensuring decent work means building more just, cohesive and democratic societies.
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The ILO legal specialist from the International Labour Standards Department, Luis Melero, elaborated on the ILO's mandate, functioning and challenges. For its part, Spain's Permanent Representation to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva was represented by Alfredo Novales, Labour, Migration and Social Security Counsellor to the ILO, who addressed the relationship between Spain and the Organization.
The day included discussions on key issues: creation of quality employment, reduction of inequalities, gender equality and non-discrimination, work-life balance, adaptation of legislation to new labour realities, and the impact of emerging technologies. All these matters were addressed from the perspective of ILO standards and principles, further strengthening the collaboration with the General Council of Labour Relations Graduates of Spain, which has traditionally been very close through the ILO Office for Spain. The visit highlighted that the work of Labour Relations Graduates goes beyond the national sphere and is fully aligned with the values promoted by the ILO.
