Topic 1: Restructuring local and global supply chains in the wake of COVID-19

COVID-19 has had an indelible impact on the world’s economy. The implementation of lockdowns and stricter border controls have made it difficult for goods to be produced, and for manufactured ones to be traded freely. This has negatively affected many workers, especially with regard to those in the manufacturing sector which suffer disproportionately greater impacts. Delegates in the ILO will have the chance to explore how international cooperation will be able to restructure the manufacturing sectors in various countries in order to minimize the disruption of work and to the economy.

Topic 2: Development of informal economies

There are nearly 2 billion people working in informal sectors across the world. However, informal economies often have large work deficits. For instance, many employed in the informal economy do not have proper social protection or rights at work. Delegates in the ILO will have to review current policy recommendations on the transition of informal economies to formal ones. Formalisation of sectors often requires long-term effort on the part of governments, and delegates will also explore the methods in incentivising governments to implement recommendations.