Geneva, June 9, 2026
Bangladesh underscored its growing role in global labour diplomacy as Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) during the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
Organized by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva, the meeting brought together 15 labour ministers and more than 100 delegates from 47 member states across the Arab, Asia and Pacific regions. The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), along with regional directors for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific, also attended the session.
In his address, Minister Choudhury highlighted ASPAG’s diversity, representing countries with different levels of development, cultures and labour market realities. Despite these differences, he said, member states remain united in their commitment to decent work, social justice and inclusive development. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for multilateralism and called for stronger efforts to democratize global labour governance.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Geneva, Nahida Sobhan, who served as ASPAG Coordinator, described the group’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths. Emphasizing the theme “Connecting Diversity, Advancing Unity,” she urged members to work collectively in addressing emerging labour challenges.
Labour Secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder thanked ASPAG members for their support during Bangladesh’s one-year tenure as coordinator, noting that decisions taken today will shape the future of work.
Representing nearly half of the world’s workforce, ASPAG remains one of the most influential regional blocs within the ILO, playing a key role in advancing labour rights and regional cooperation.
