Supply chains are powerful engines of growth in Asia and the Pacific, yet stronger action is needed to turn that potential into decent work and shared prosperity, participants heard at an International Labour Organization forum today.
The Resilient supply chains and equitable growth in a changing world of work: Advancing Decent Work through regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific Forum is taking place in Bangkok, Thailand 15-16 September 2025.
© ILO
Speaking at the event, Manuela Tomei, Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights and Dialogue of the International Labour Organization said, "Supply chains can be powerful drivers of inclusive growth in Asia and the Pacific, creating opportunities for millions. Realizing this promise requires sound policies, strong institutions, and vibrant and independent workers' and employers' organizations. Only then can trade and investment truly translate into decent work, shared prosperity, and resilience across the region's diverse economies."
The forum convenes over 200 participants from around 20 countries, including ILO government, employer and worker representatives, alongside development partners and subject-matter experts. It serves as a platform for coordinated, locally driven strategies that examine how trade, investment, governance and responsible business conduct can reinforce labour standards, promote job formalization, reduce inequality and strengthen social protection.
During the event participants heard that despite uncertainty in global trade dynamics, recent changes provided an opportunity for Asia and the Pacific to take the lead in shaping a regionally grounded model for labour governance in supply chains.
"With much of today's trade occurring within the global South, and increasingly within Asia itself, this region is no longer merely responding to rules set elsewhere. It has the chance to chart its own course as a trusted destination for resilient and equitable supply chains that deliver decent work, value addition, and sustainable growth," said Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
Outcomes from the discussions will serve as an important reference point in shaping the continued implementation of the ILO's Strategy on Decent Work in supply chains across the region. During the event, a series of powerful video stories of change helped highlight how ILO's work in Asia and the Pacific and that of its tripartite constituents is helping supply chains become engines of fairness, sustainability and social justice. Three new briefs, highlighting ILO's evidence on opportunities and challenges for decent work in agricultural, manufacturing and minerals supply chains, informed the forum's debates.
© ILO
In addition, the ILO's newly launched "supply chains evidence hub" was presented. Drawing on more than 500 publications from the past decade, the hub transforms complex research into clear, usable insights for governments, employers, workers' organizations and development practitioners.
Supply chains account for 41 per cent of global merchandise trade value and support at least 75 million workers in South-East Asia alone and are built not only on large corporations, but on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. These smaller economic units make up 97 per cent of all enterprises and employ nearly 70 per cent of the region's labour force.
