The Future of Work Podcast

Take a fascinating journey into the Future of Work with the latest podcasts from the International Labour Organization - the UN Agency for the World of Work. Listen to experts on how the rapidly changing world of work is affecting you. Go to workplaces you never knew existed and hear stories that touch all our working lives. The ILO Future of Work podcast opens up the world of work, helping you to navigate and shape the future you want.

Social Summit for Development: What it means for the world of work

This episode of the ILO Future of Work’s special series on the Second World Summit for Social Development examines the implications of the Summit’s renewed commitment to eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, and social inclusion, on the world work, with guests Juan Somavia, Sabina Alkire and Manuela Tomei.

11-21
07:36

Can the Doha Summit revive global social justice?

In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, the ILO's Claire Courteille-Mulder explains why the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha matters, and what’s at stake for social development, multilateralism, and the ILO’s mission to advance social justice.

11-03
12:01

Social development: progress made and promises to be fulfilled

Ahead of the World Summit for Social Development, the ILO is launching a special podcast series. In this first episode, Sabina Alkire of Oxford University and ILO’s Manuela Tomei discuss progress and gaps since the 1995 commitment to advance social development for all.

10-28
21:36

How advancing social justice can shape the future of work

In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, ILO Research and Publications Director Caroline Fredrickson explains what the ILO’s new report on social justice reveals about global progress, the challenges that remain, and how leaders can build fairer and more resilient societies.

10-13
11:12

Why paternity leave matters: lessons from Oman and beyond

In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, the ILO’s Laura Addati and Omani representative Khadija Al Mawali explain the impact of the parental leave gap between mothers and fathers, and show how Oman is bridging that gap.

10-09
16:34

How Europe can adapt to an ageing population

In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, ILO economists Sabrina de Gobbi and Stefan Kühn explore what a shrinking European labour force means for the future of work, and the policies that can help labour markets adapt.

10-01
11:45

How rural youth are redefining agriculture in Africa

What does it take to empower rural youth in Africa’s agriculture sector? In this episode of the ILO’s Future of Work podcast, we hear from Clara Kamlomo, a young agri-entrepreneur from Malawi, and youth employment expert Chiara Curcio.

08-12
17:58

The Maritime Labour Convention - what we can learn

The Maritime Labour Convention – or MLC, 2006 - is a living example of the central role that effective social dialogue plays in shaping labour standards in the maritime sector. This episode of the Future of Work podcast explores why the MLC is a success and what we can learn from it. Guests include Mark Dickinson, the Seafarers’ spokesperson, ILO Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention and Vice Chair of the Seafarers’ Section at the International Transport Workers’ Federation; Max Johns, the Former Shipowners’ spokesperson of the ILO's Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention; Beatriz Vacotto, Coordinator of the Maritime Unit in the ILO's Application of Standards Branch; and Lu Camoying Valdez, Head of the Human Rights Section at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations.

06-10
24:11

The Second World Summit for Social Development - what is at stake?

This Future of Work podcast, recorded live from the 113th International Labour Conference, examines the key issues on the agenda of the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in November 2025, in light of the current global context and the challenges facing multilateralism. Guests include Claire Courteille-Mulder and Shahra Razavi from the ILO, and Adriana Rodrigues Martins from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

06-09
19:21

Sustainable Development Goal 8 and the 2030 deadline - what needs to be done?

This Future of Work podcast, recorded at the 113th International Labour Conference, looks at how to speed up progress on Sustainable Development Goal 8. Representatives of government, employers and workers discuss what’s needed to get decent work and inclusive growth back on track. The guests are Sangheon Lee, Director of the ILO's Employment Policy Department; Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE); Carmela I. Torres, Undersecretary of the Employment and HRD Cluster in the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines; and Luc Triangle, Secretary-General of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

06-06
39:09

Just transitions and the world of work - how can governments lead the way?

As the world moves towards greener economies, the global shift to renewable energy and climate-resilient development raises urgent questions about fairness, inclusion and jobs. This Future of Work podcast explores how governments can lead just transitions—ensuring that the move to low-carbon economies creates decent work, protects vulnerable workers and communities, and leaves no one behind. Podcast guests are Ali Aybey, Director-General of Foreign Affairs and EU in Türkiye's Ministry of Labour and Social Security; Maíra Lacerda, Head of the Special Advisory for International Affairs in Brazil's Ministry of Labour and Employment; Soha Tharwat, an environmental expert and Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the UN in Geneva; and Moustapha Kamal Gueye, Director of the ILO's Action Programme on Just Transitions.

06-05
20:18

Artificial intelligence, innovation and the world of work

This episode of the Future of Work podcast, recorded live at the 113th International Labour Conference, explores how digitalization and artificial intelligence are reshaping the world of work. Building on some of the latest ILO research and analysis, the podcast looks at policy recommendations and the ILO’s role in promoting inclusive digital transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind. Guests are ILO Senior Researcher Pawel Gmyrek and Manal Azzi, ILO Team Lead for Occupational Safety and Health Policy and Systems.

06-04
18:10

Turning sustainability into opportunities for employers and workers

In this episode of the ILO’s Future of Work podcast, recorded live from the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, we explore how workers’ and employers’ organizations are working hand-in-hand with over 16 partner organizations worldwide — including in the Philippines — to promote green jobs, strengthen social dialogue, and build more resilient, inclusive economies. Guests include Ariel Castro from the ILO Bureau for Workers' Activities, Laura Greene from the ILO Bureau for Employers' Activities, Gigi Martinez Mathay from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and Jose Roland Moya from the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).

06-03
22:30

How AI, robots and other cutting-edge technologies can keep workers safe and sound

Can artificial intelligence, robots and surveillance protect workers on the job? Yes, according to the latest report from the International Labour Organization. In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, ILO occupational safety and health expert Manal Azzi explains how AI and technology is being used as a safety net, and not a threat, for workers worldwide.

04-24
16:11

The impact of generative AI on jobs in Latin America

Generative AI is transforming jobs in Latin America, but who benefits, and who gets left behind? Pawel Gmyrek from the ILO and Hernan Winkler from the World Bank join the Future of Work podcast to discuss their research, exploring how AI is reshaping work and its implications for inequality.

01-27
18:34

Global employment trends: Challenges and opportunities for 2025

Ekkehard Ernst, author of the ILO report: "World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025", joins the Future of Work podcast to discuss how geopolitical tensions, climate change, artificial intelligence, and inequalities are affecting global labour markets.

01-20
12:10

Industrial symbiosis: an engine for green jobs and growth?

Industrial symbiosis is an approach to the circular economy through which businesses work together to utilize waste and by-products created by their processes in existing and new products, so saving resources and energy. Sabrina de Gobbi, ILO Senior Economist, joins the podcast to discuss what potential it has to ‘green’ economies and how we can ensure that the jobs it creates are decent.

11-14
15:43

Why social protection is essential to shield the most vulnerable from the climate crisis

How can social protection help those most vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate change? To discuss the issue, we are joined by Kumi Naidoo, a longtime human rights and climate justice activist, and Shahra Razavi, Director of the ILO’s Universal Social Protection department.

10-08
19:46

Youth employment: Why are anxieties among young people growing even as youth unemployment rates fall?

According to a new ILO report, youth unemployment figures have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but, in apparent contradiction, young people worldwide are reporting growing anxiety and worry about unemployment and job security. So, what’s the real situation for young people entering the labour market?

09-19
20:55

The Paralympics: what are the challenges facing athletes with disabilities?

Competing at the Paralympics requires extraordinary time and dedication, so how do Paralympic athletes balance the demands of sporting excellence with earning a living? To discuss this the ILO’s Future of Work podcast is joined by the former Paralympian, Josh Vander Vies and the ILO's expert on athletes and rights at work, Oliver Liang.

09-02
16:25

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