In this personal reflection, Katherine Kamedde of Uganda's Central Organisation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) explores how the adoption of the Platform Economy Convention and lessons from the International Labour Conference can help strengthen governance readiness for platform work and just transitions in Uganda.

In this commentary, Konstantinos Papadakis, Special Adviser at the ILO, explores why governance, institutional readiness, and social dialogue, not technology alone, determine whether green and digital transitions deliver fair and inclusive outcomes.

In this reflection, Yasmeen Chaudhry explores how the debate surrounding the next United Nations Secretary-General is prompting a broader conversation about leadership, governance, and institutional renewal at a time of profound change for the multilateral system.

Maria Mexi examines whether the EU’s regulatory leadership can translate into real influence over how AI is designed—and who it ultimately benefits in the workplace.

In this reflection, Andreas Oeschger, Policy Advisor at SECO International Labour Affairs, synthesises the key takeaways from the CSocD64 side event on reconnecting economic policy with social development. His overview highlights how green and digital transition policies are reshaping economic governance and what it will take to ensure these shifts translate into decent work and inclusive growth.

Oliver Hoehne, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York, reflects on how economic policy and social development have become increasingly intertwined in today’s global economy. Tracing the evolution of policy thinking from the Copenhagen Declaration to current debates, he highlights how tools such as tariffs, industrial policy, and sustainability standards are now shaping not only markets but also social outcomes—underscoring the need for economic strategies that deliberately support inclusive and resilient development.

Dr. Maria Mexi, Senior Advisor on Labour and Social Policy at the TASC Platform, explores how trade and economic policies intersect with labour outcomes in an era of digital and green transitions. Drawing on case studies from Kenya’s digital economy and Indonesia’s nickel value chain, she highlights the growing challenge of aligning economic transformation with labour governance, showing why policy coherence and effective implementation are essential to ensure that global transitions deliver decent work and inclusive development.

Jason Judd, Executive Director of the ILR Global Labor Institute at Cornell University, sets the scene for the dialogue by tracing how trade policy has evolved over three decades, from NAFTA’s loosely attached labour provisions to more integrated approaches such as USMCA and emerging due diligence frameworks. Framing this evolution as a long process of incubating, testing, and refining ideas, he asks a central question: are these new tools truly delivering better outcomes for workers and social development?

On World Day of Social Justice, our Director, Marie-Laure Salles of the Geneva Graduate Institute, underscores the urgency of mobilising academia and the wider research community. She positions universities as catalysts for knowledge, connection, and concrete action within the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Janine Berg from the International Labour Organization (ILO) presents a realist view on AI and technological unemployment, acknowledging both risks and rewards. While AI may not eliminate most jobs, vulnerable workers, particularly women, face significant risks. Effective policies like reskilling, redeployment, and social protections are essential to minimize negative impacts.