Gilbert Houngbo, First African to lead the ILO, seeks a second term

Togolese diplomat Gilbert Houngbo, the first African to head the International Labour Organization (ILO), is seeking a second term at the helm of the institution. His candidacy was officially announced on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the close of the declaration period. His first term, which began in October 2022, will end in November 2027. A second term would be his final one, in accordance with ILO regulations.

The former Prime Minister of Togo will face two challengers: Spain’s Yolanda Díaz, currently the country’s Minister of Labour, and Peru’s Javier González-Olaechea, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The election is scheduled for November 16, 2026, for a five-year term beginning on October 1, 2027.

In his candidacy declaration, Gilbert Houngbo points to what he considers a solid track record. He highlights the strengthening of the ILO’s normative role and the adoption of new instruments in key areas such as occupational safety and health, as well as apprenticeship. “We have strengthened the ILO’s normative leadership. International labour standards remain the cornerstone of stability and predictability,” he emphasizes.

The Togolese candidate also claims to have modernized the organization’s supervisory system, notably through the acceleration of the standards review mechanism and the simplification of the periodic reporting process. He also cites progress on sensitive issues, including workplace discrimination, the right to strike, and ILO governance.

For Gilbert Houngbo, a new mandate would allow him to continue the reforms already underway and to enhance the organization’s responsiveness. “I intend to strengthen the ILO’s capacity to respond by ensuring rapid, targeted assistance in line with its mandate,” he states. He also aims to make the ILO “more attentive to regional realities,” while maintaining its commitment to universal principles.

His candidacy enjoys the support of the Togolese government, which, in a letter addressed to the ILO Governing Body, highlights the Togolese official’s more than 40 years of experience in international development.

Prior to leading the ILO in 2022, Gilbert Houngbo served as President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) from 2017 to 2022, Prime Minister of Togo from 2008 to 2012, and held several positions at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) between 1996 and 2008, as well as at the ILO from 2013 to 2017.

His career includes managing large-scale international programs and leading institutional reforms.