Geneva, June 1, 2026 — Bangladesh has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone with the election of its Permanent Representative to Geneva, Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, as a Vice-President of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC), which opened on Monday in Geneva.
Ambassador Sobhan was elected by consensus of representatives from the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 187 member states, reflecting growing international confidence in Bangladesh’s leadership on global labour issues and its commitment to workers’ rights, decent work and social justice.
The conference, the ILO’s highest decision-making body, is chaired by Uruguay’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Juan Castillo. The vice-presidential team also includes Gerardo Martínez of Argentina and Kristen Kaufman of the United States.
Bangladesh’s election to the prestigious position is seen as recognition of the country’s constructive role in multilateral diplomacy and its efforts to promote labour rights and employment opportunities. It also highlights international support for the newly elected government’s commitment to advancing democratic values, social protection and fair labour practices.
As a Vice-President of the conference, Bangladesh will play an important role in facilitating dialogue and building consensus among member states and key stakeholders on major global labour and employment issues.
Often referred to as the “world parliament of labour,” the International Labour Conference serves as the principal forum for setting international labour standards and shaping global labour policies. Representatives of governments, employers and workers from around the world participate in its annual sessions.
This year’s conference has drawn nearly 5,000 delegates to discuss key challenges and priorities facing the global world of work.
