ILO launches new Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine

ILO launches new Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine

New framework will support recovery, labour market reforms and the creation of decent jobs through 2029.

4 June 2026

GENEVA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), the Government of Ukraine, and employers' and workers' organizations have signed a new Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for 2026-2029, establishing a shared roadmap to support the country's recovery and strengthen its labour market institutions.

Signed during the International Labour Conference in Geneva, the Programme is the first DWCP for Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian Federation aggression. It marks a new phase of cooperation between the ILO and its tripartite constituents, following the implementation of the ILO Transitional Cooperation Strategy for Ukraine 2024-2025.

The Programme is built around three priorities: strengthening labour market governance and inclusive social dialogue; enhancing labour and social protection for all; and advancing decent jobs, skills development and productive enterprises.

The Decent Work Country Programme 2026-2029 will support our efforts to address workforce shortages, develop skills and create more opportunities for quality employment across the country
Dariia Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine

"A strong labour market is essential for Ukraine's recovery and competitiveness," said Dariia Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. "The Decent Work Country Programme 2026-2029 will support our efforts to address workforce shortages, develop skills and create more opportunities for quality employment across the country."

Ukraine's labour market continues to face major challenges as a result of the war, including labour shortages, skills mismatches, displacement and growing social vulnerabilities. At the same time, the country's recovery and European Union accession process create opportunities to modernize labour market institutions and strengthen social dialogue.

The new Programme aims to help translate those opportunities into practical action.

Its first priority focuses on reinforcing labour market governance through stronger social dialogue and collective bargaining, while supporting reforms aligned with International Labour Standards and relevant EU legislation. It also seeks to strengthen the role of employers' and workers' organizations in recovery and reform efforts.

The second priority promotes better labour and social protection, including safer and healthier workplaces, stronger labour rights and improved working conditions. Particular attention will be given to expanding access to employment and social protection for people affected by the war and to advancing gender equality.

The third priority supports the creation of decent jobs by investing in skills development, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship, while helping micro, small and medium-sized enterprises recover and grow.

"Businesses are ready to invest, grow and create jobs, but recovery requires people with the right skills and policies that support enterprise development," said Serhii Bilenkyi, representing the Federation of Employers of Ukraine. "The Programme creates opportunities to strengthen workforce development, address labour shortages and support enterprise growth."

For workers' representatives, rebuilding the world of work must go hand in hand with protecting rights and ensuring safe working conditions.

"Workers have borne a significant share of the consequences of the war," said Serhii Byzov, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine. "The Decent Work Country Programme provides an important framework for advancing labour rights, social dialogue and decent work for all."

Through this Programme, the ILO will continue supporting national efforts to advance decent work, strengthen social dialogue and promote tripartite cooperation as part of Ukraine's recovery.
Peter van Rooij, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia

Peter van Rooij, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, described the signing as an important milestone in the partnership between the ILO and its constituents in Ukraine.

"Through this Programme, the ILO will continue supporting national efforts to advance decent work, strengthen social dialogue and promote tripartite cooperation as part of Ukraine's recovery," he said.

Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine, noted that the agreement reflects the determination of Ukraine's social partners to keep advancing labour reforms despite the challenges of war.

"Workers, employers and government representatives have come together around a renewed shared vision," she said. "The Programme places people at the centre of recovery, supporting better jobs, stronger social protection and new opportunities for the future."

The Decent Work Country Programme will guide cooperation between the ILO and its Ukrainian constituents through 2029, helping advance social justice, inclusive growth and the country's path towards European integration.