Social Dialogue and Tripartism Unit (DIALOGUE)

Mission and vision

The Social Dialogue and Tripartism Unit (DIALOGUE) advocates and promotes effective and inclusive social dialogue at all levels for good governance in the world of work. Social dialogue and tripartism are at the core of ILO policies and programmes.
The main aim of social dialogue and tripartism is to promote the democratic involvement of the main stakeholders in the governance of the world of work.

Effective social dialogue has the potential to resolve important economic and social issues, deal with crises, encourage good governance and boost economic and social progress. The extent and quality of social dialogue have a direct impact on social peace and stability, as well as on the overall governance of the labour market and the economy as a whole.

There is no “one size fits all” model of social dialogue that can be readily exported from one context to another; there is a rich diversity of experiences and practices of social dialogue throughout the world. Adapting social dialogue to the particular context is key to ensuring full ownership by the parties involved and sustainability of the process. While social dialogue practices may differ from country to country, freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining are key preconditions for effective social dialogue in any national context.

The ILO aims to assist member States in establishing or strengthening their legal and institutional frameworks, machinery or processes for social dialogue and to build the capacity of the tripartite actors in order to ensure effective and inclusive social dialogue and tripartism at country level. DIALOGUE conducts research and disseminates knowledge products on social dialogue and industrial relations. It also assists in policy formulation, developing and disseminating tools to underpin its policy advice and capacity building for the tripartite constituents.

Furthermore, the ILO promotes social dialogue within regional or sub-regional groupings as a means of building consensus, and pursuing sustainable economic and social development, and good governance. To this end, DIALOGUE supports the development of knowledge and policy on global industrial relations, including on the role of actors and institutions involved in cross-border social dialogue and agreements.