International Labour Conference

COGEF Carried the Voice of the Burkinabè Private Sector to Geneva

The General Confederation of Enterprises of Faso (COGEF) took part in the 114th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) from June 1 to 12, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Burkina Faso employers’ delegation was led by Dr. Désiré NAKOULMA, Secretary in charge of economic and financial affairs. He was accompanied by Dr. Ismaïl GUIGMA, Vice-President of the Commission in charge of labor, social and corporate affairs, as well as Ms. Nadège ZONGO, Secretary-General of COGEF.

Held under the theme “At the crossroads of choice: putting artificial intelligence at the service of decent work,” this edition brought together representatives of governments, employers, and workers from ILO member states to discuss the profound changes taking place in the world of work and the responses needed to meet emerging challenges.

As early as June 1, proceedings began with the preparatory meeting of the Employers’ Group, focused on statutory matters, the 2025 ILO Employers’ Activities Report, as well as organizational and financial issues. During the Conference, the COGEF delegation took part in the work of the various committees, speaking on key topics such as social dialogue, work in the digital platform economy, and gender equality in the world of work.

Subsequently, the Burkina Faso employers’ delegation met with Mr. Mathias TRAORE, Minister of Servants of the People in Geneva, to discuss his participation in the International Labour Conference on the one hand and the strengthening of tripartite social dialogue at the national level on the other. The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting tripartite consultation initiatives.

The Conference ultimately led to the adoption of Convention C193 on decent work in the digital platform economy, the first international standard dedicated to regulating this rapidly expanding sector. It also adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening gender equality in the world of work through the fight against discrimination, the systematic integration of the gender dimension into policies and programs, and the prevention of gender-based violence and harassment. COGEF’s participation in these proceedings helped strengthen the presence of Burkina Faso’s employers in international debates on the future of work.

It also reflects COGEF’s steadfast commitment to speaking on behalf of national businesses and actively contributing to discussions in favor of a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable world of work.