ILO Better Work forum drives dialogue on Pakistan’s garment future
The International Labour Organization (ILO), hosted the Better Work Pakistan Business Forum in Lahore to strengthen sustainability, decent work and competitiveness across the country’s textile and garment sector.
The ILO collaborated with the Government of Pakistan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the two-day event, according to local news publication the Pakistan Observer.
The occasion brought together factory owners, international brands, trade unions, and government representatives to review progress under the Better Work programme and outline its roadmap for 2026–2030.
Discussions focused on social dialogue, fair labour practices, and the role of data in driving policy reform and sustainable compliance.
The publication quoted ILO Pakistan country director Geir Tonstol as saying the initiative aims to build “a future where responsible business practices and competitiveness go hand in hand.”
While, federal minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain added that inclusive and just progress was essential in a rapidly changing world of work.
The news publication also cited Pakistan United Workers’ Federation general secretary Chaudhry Saad Muhammad, who described the Better Work programme as “not just relevant but essential.”
At the same time, Employers Federation of Pakistan president Malik Tahir Javid called for its expansion to other sectors.
Since launching its pilot phase in 2022, Better Work Pakistan is reported to have engaged 121 factories, completing more than 180 assessments and 1,200 advisory visits, while delivering 500 training sessions to over 6,000 participants. Programme manager Ivo Spauwen highlighted the importance of forming smart partnerships in advancing environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and worker wellbeing across the sector.
According to local news outlets, the event also included podcast sessions with national and international stakeholders to discuss the future of Pakistan’s textile sector and the steps needed for its sustainable transformation.
Last month, the ILO released a brief detailing the adoption of a “systems approach” to enhance working conditions in lower-tier supply chains for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
