The 97th International Labour Conference (ILC) is currently taking place (from 28 May to 13 June 2008) in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference is the annual tripartite meeting of the International Labour Organization’s 181 Member States.

While international organizations, both governmental and others, attend this important event as observers, each of the ILO member states is represented by employers, workers as well as government delegates of those countries. Many of the government representatives are cabinet ministers responsible for labour affairs in their own countries. 

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN Geneva H.E Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, elected chairman of ILO Governing Body for 2007-2008 (left)   and His Excellency Dr. Danilo Türk (right) President of the Republic of Slovenia.  2nd June 2008

Heads of State and prime ministers also often take the floor at the Conference. This year, His Excellency, Dr. Danilo Türk, President of the Republic of Slovenia and His Excellency, Mr. Martin Torrijos Espino, President of the Republic of Panama graced the ILC by attending the event and delivering speeches on the occasion. H.E. Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka (Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations), in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ILO Governing Body, joined the Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Juan Somavia and the two Vice Chairpersons representing the Workers and the Employers, in welcoming the two presidents Türk and Torrijos on 2nd and 10^th June 2008, respectively, to the ILO Conference.