The 95th International Labor Conference concluded in Geneva on Friday following extensive debates centered on the profoundly changing patterns in the world of work and promoting decent work in the 21st century.

The meeting has "set labor standards for the 21st century which are relevant and applicable for countries all over the world and at all stages of development," said Juan Somavia, director-general of the International Labor Organization (ILO), at the conclusion of the conference.

Somavia said discussions at the conference on the new ILO report"Changing Patterns in the World of Work" had produced " extremely thoughtful and interesting contributions" to help " inform and shape" the ILO's future work.

The conference, which annually gathers some 4,000 government, worker and employer participants representing the ILO's member states, hosted two guest speakers - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and President Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica.

Addressing the delegates, Sirleaf called for urgent action for peace and development in her country, while Sanchez urged the adoption of concrete measures to ensure a fairer globalization.

During the conference, which started on May 31, delegates adopted new standards and measures addressing health and safety issues.

They gave overwhelming approval to a new Promotional Framework Convention on Occupational Safety and Health and an accompanying Recommendation addressing the development of a "preventative safety and health culture" through national occupational safety and health programs.

A majority of delegates also supported a new Recommendation on employment relationship, proposing to member states the formulation and adoption of national policies on effectively establishing the existence of an employment relationship and on the distinction between employed and self-employed workers; combating disguised employment relationships and ensuring standards applicable to all forms of contractual arrangements.

The conference also discussed the issue of labor inspection, highlighting the crucial importance of labor inspection for ensuring the protection of workers and compliance at national level of labor laws.

The role of the International Labour Conference is to adopt and oversee compliance with international labor standards, establish the budget of the organization and elect members of the Governing Body.

Since 1919, the conference has served as a major international forum for debate on social and labor issues of worldwide importance.

Source: Xinhua