The ILO has launched a new tool to help its constituents enhance the effectiveness and inclusiveness of their national social dialogue institutions.
The tool was developed as part of the Plan of Action on social dialogue and tripartism (2019-2023) that was endorsed by the ILO Governing Body at its March 2019 session. The Plan also implements the resolution and conclusions on social dialogue of the International Labour Conference (ILC) held in June 2018.
The self-assessment method for social dialogue institutions (SAM-SDI) guides the social dialogue actors – governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations – through a process that analyses the inclusiveness and effectiveness of their social dialogue institutions. Based on this analysis, they can devise and implement an action plan to increase the institution’s impact on policy-making.
Social dialogue, based on respect for freedom of association and the right to effective collective bargaining, has a crucial role in designing policies to promote social justice and social and economic progress.
Social dialogue institutions have a key role to play in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, access to justice for all and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Social dialogue is also an essential component of SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. It is also central to the achievement of SDG 5, on gender equality.
The SAM-SDI consists of six inter-linked steps. It is available online in English, French and Spanish, on a self-contained USB card and through an interactive e-Platform hosted by the ILO’s International Training Centre.