International Organisation of Employers

The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) describes itself as the largest global network of the private sector and the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates taking place in the ILO, across the UN, G20 and other emerging forums. It states that for the past 100 years and on behalf of its more than 150 member organisations, it works to leverage its experience, expertise and advocacy to influence debates on pressing issues for business and employers worldwide. Its stated ambition is to be a powerful and balanced business voice for shaping and driving the global agenda on employment and social policies, with a vision of creating a sustainable economic environment that promotes free enterprise and is fair and beneficial to both business and society. Its governance structure consists of the General Council, the Management Board and a Secretariat in Geneva.

The International Organisation of Employers states that for the past 100 years it has worked on behalf of its more than 150 member organisations to leverage its experience, expertise and advocacy to influence debates on the most pressing issues for business and employers worldwide. Its governance structure is set out in its Statutes, adopted by the IOE General Council on 29 May 2022, and consists of three components: the General Council, comprised of all members worldwide; the Management Board, elected by and representing members; and the Secretariat in Geneva, at the centre of the IOE's operations. The General Council is responsible for endorsing IOE's overall activity and policy direction; in its annual meeting, open to all members, it adopts a Programme of Action for the following year proposed by the Management Board, and passes decisions or resolutions that orient IOE's activities and reflect members' priorities, needs and expectations. The General Council also provides members with the opportunity to express their views on the activity and financial reports delivered by the President, Secretary-General, Vice-President for the ILO and Treasurer on behalf of the Management Board. A list of IOE Presidents since 1920 is maintained and was updated in 2024.

• IOE Statutes adopted by the IOE General Council

  [4]Our Governanceioe-emp.org
• List of IOE Presidents since 1920 updated

  [4]Our Governanceioe-emp.org
• 2025 IOE General Council convened in Geneva with over 200 business leaders

  [4]Our Governanceioe-emp.org
• 2026 session of the IOE General Council held

  [4]Our Governanceioe-emp.org

A powerful and balanced voice for business; the sole representative of business in social and employment policy debates in the ILO, across the UN, G20 and other emerging forums.

1. 1International Organisation of Employers: A powerful and balanced voice for businessioe-emp.org
2. 2About Usioe-emp.org
3. 3Business Networksioe-emp.org
4. 4Our Governanceioe-emp.org