Summer school on social dialogue
Cover image © Alice Lotti
Summer school on social dialogue
16–19 Septiembre 2025
Presentación del curso
CHANGES IN GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS AND THEIR IMPACT Throughout the 20th century and recent decades, global value chains have undergone a major transformation, bringing both positive and negative effects on decent work. These effects vary depending on the sector and geographical context. On one hand, these chains promote job creation; on the other, they can lead to deficits in working conditions and worsen the adverse impacts of relocations. The resolution adopted during the 105th International Labour Conference (ILC) in 2016 recognized that global supply chains have contributed to economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and the shift from informal to formal economies. It also emphasized the importance of promoting decent work by strengthening fundamental labor rights, social protection, and social dialogue. Over the last decade, some states have adopted - alongside national labor laws and other non-binding initiatives - binding regulations that aim to protect fundamental workers' rights across borders. These regulations require companies to reduce actual and potential risks to human rights related to their operations and business relationships (value chains).
¿Quiénes participan en este curso?
- Representatives of employers' and workers' organizations. - Public officials involved in labor policy. - Practitioners in national and international social dialogue, including HR managers. - Legal, economic, and labor relations experts. - ILO and other international organization officials. - Academics and researchers in corporate governance, industrial relations, and human rights. - Advanced students in law, management, political science, and international relations interested in social dialogue and due diligence issues.
The Key Role of Social Dialogue
A structured social dialogue is essential to effectively implement these obligations in line with international standards and guiding principles. By directly involving concerned actors, particularly workers and their representatives, risks specific to each sector and company can be more accurately identified.
As stated in the ILO Tripartite Declaration:
“In assessing human rights risks, companies, including multinational enterprises, should identify and evaluate any actual or potential adverse human rights impacts in which they may be involved through their own activities or as a result of their business relationships. This process should involve meaningful consultations with potentially affected groups and other relevant stakeholders, including workers’ organizations, based on the size of the enterprise and the nature and context of its operations. To meet the objectives of the Declaration, the process should continuously consider the essential role of freedom of association, collective bargaining, professional relations, and social dialogue.” (paragraph 10 e)
This dialogue also supports the development and monitoring of vigilance and remediation plans through a more participatory and transparent approach. Including stakeholders in defining preventive and corrective measures fosters buy-in and improves the effectiveness of actions.
Lastly, stronger cooperation between businesses and trade unions promotes more responsible practices and reduces human rights and labor risks in supply chains.
Objectives
- Understand how industrial relations impact due diligence implementation.
- Promote dialogue among corporate governance and worker organization actors.
- Encourage academic research and presentations on the topic.
Format and Methodology
The Summer School will be structured in modules combining lectures, case studies, participatory workshops, and expert testimonials. A specific section will focus on academic research, inviting contributors to present their work related to due diligence and industrial relations. These presentations, enriched by recent innovations and practices from the Francophone world, will feed into debates and deepen knowledge. The call for contributions will help identify and share innovative approaches, strengthening links between theory and practice.
Languages
The bilingual training will be conducted in English and in French. Participants are therefore expected to have a good command of English or French language.
Registration
The ILO promotes equality of opportunities and strongly encourages women’s applications.
To apply for this course, please click on the "Apply now" button and fill out the online form before the application deadline.
If your application is sponsored by your Institution, you will be required to attach a sponsorship letter, covering the course fees.
Applications will be reviewed through a standardized selection process. Successful candidates will be notified.
Accommodation and transportation
The total price of this training activity includes full board accommodation at the ITCILO campus, routine medical care, medical insurance, and use of computer and internet facilities. The listed prices do not include the cost of travel between the participant's home country and the course venue. Participants are responsible for holding a valid passport and obtaining the appropriate visa (Schengen). Listed prices do not include the costs of passports, visas, and airport taxes.
Payment and withdrawal
Payment can be processed by bank transfer or credit card through an electronic payment link. The total price of this training activity must be paid in advance by the participant or his/her sponsoring organization.
If an enrolled participant wishes or must withdraw from a course, they must notify the Centre, in writing, of their decision at least 14 days prior to the start date of the course. Cancellation of participation in regular courses will result in penalties. For more details on this matter, please check our payment and cancellation policy webpage.
Start learning about this topic
You can download and read the recommended publications "ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy" and “OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct”.
