Election of the new Director-General of ILO, Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo

The Brazilian government congratulates Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo from Togo, current President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for his election to the position of Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO). First African man to hold the post, Houngbo will take office in October 2022 for a five-year term.

Gilbert Houngbo was Prime Minister of Togo (2008-2012). He has also served as ILO’s Deputy Director-General and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for sub-Saharan Africa, among other positions.

Brazil is confident in the credentials of the new Director-General to lead ILO in its mission to protect the rights of workers and to promote decent work, based on the principles of cooperation, tripartite dialogue, solidarity and the search for social justice.

The Brazilian government wishes the new Director-General success in his endeavor and hopes to continue with the fruitful partnership and close collaboration with ILO.