Social partners
Social partners
Our tripartite governance structure
The International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) has a tripartite governance’ structure which reflects the structure of its parent organization, the International Labour Organization (ILO). This means that governments, employers, and workers—the ILO’s constituents—are at the core of all its work. This tripartite approach is unique within the United Nations system, and it ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in the development of labour-related policies and programmes.
In line with this mandate, ILO constituents are the primary beneficiaries of ITCILO’s activities.
Social partners, composed of representatives from employers’ and workers’ organizations, engage in institutionalized mechanisms of dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration. These mechanisms focus on shaping labour rights, social policies, and economic development strategies.
A well-functioning system of social dialogue is fundamental to building fair, inclusive, and stable societies. At the ITCILO, we support this process through dedicated programmes and activities for both employers and workers.
Workers’ Activities – ACTRAV Turin
The Programme for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV Turin) serves as the main link between the ITCILO and workers’ organizations around the world. ACTRAV Turin’s mission is to empower workers and their organizations by providing innovative needs-driven training and education activities to promote just transitions, Social Justice, and Decent Work for All. We strengthen workers’ knowledge, skills and competences to forge strategies for transformation and, (we) provide a safe and dynamic space for networking, engagement and solidarity.
Employers' Activities – ACT/EMP Turin
The Programme for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP Turin) supports Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) in becoming stronger, more representative, and more effective. Through a combination of training, knowledge sharing, and advisory services, ACT/EMP Turin helps EBMOs strengthen their capacity to represent private sector enterprises.
ACT/EMP Turin maintains direct engagement with EBMOs across ILO Member States, ensuring their needs, concerns, and policy priorities are reflected in the ITCILO’s work.
Joint initiatives
In addition to their respective mandates, ACT/EMP Turin and ACTRAV Turin collaborate on bipartite and tripartite initiatives, bringing together employers', workers' representatives and government representatives for joint learning and dialogue. A flagship example of this collaboration is the Global Social Partners Academy—an innovative platform designed to strengthen mutual understanding, build trust, and support effective bipartite cooperation on emerging labour market challenges.