International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, in line with its founding mission that social justice is essential for universal and lasting peace as main objectives to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.
As the only tripartite U.N. agency, the ILO, since 1919, has brought together governments, employers, and workers from its 187 Member States to set labour standards, develop policies, and devise programs that promote decent work for all women and men.
Ethiopia joined the ILO in 1923 and has marked its 1oo years of membership in the organization in 2023. Ethiopia has ratified 23 Conventions including the 8 Fundamental Conventions. Out of the 23 Conventions ratified by Ethiopia, 22 are in force. (Ethiopia | International Labour Organizations (ilo.org))
Ethiopia has served as a member of the Governing Body of ILO from 2017-2020 and coordinator of the Africa Group. It has also recently been elected as a deputy member of the Governing Body for the term 2024-2027. Ethiopia regards the ILO as a key partner in its journey toward economic development and social justice.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting and protecting intellectual property (IP) worldwide. Established in 1967, with a primary Mission to develop an international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. WIPO has become a key player in shaping the global landscape of intellectual property, ensuring that IP rights are respected and leveraged to drive economic, cultural, and social development worldwide. (Information by Country: Ethiopia (wipo.int))
Ethiopia joined WIPO in 1998. Recognizing the importance of innovation and technology, Ethiopia has identified intellectual property as a key policy area. Of recent, Ethiopia has approved a ground-breaking new treaty on Intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge, on May 24th, 2024. Accordingly, Ethiopia has signed the final Act of the treaty, signalling its intention to ratify and join the treaty to fully benefit from the provisions it offers.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Universal Postal Union Established in 1874 with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne is the second oldest international organization worldwide. UPU has 192 member countries and the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players that helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. (Universal Postal Union (upu.int))
Ethiopia is a member of the UPU since Nov. 01, 1908. Ethiopia is a founding member of Pan African Postal Union Union (PAPU). It is an African organization, established in 1980, with the objective of developing postal services on the African continent. In 2018 Ethiopia successfully hosted UPU’s Extraordinary congress in Addis Ababa. (https://ethio.post/about/our-history/)
Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organization that brings together parliaments from around the world to promote dialogue and cooperation. Established in 1889, the IPU aims to strengthen democracy and parliamentary systems, as well as to work towards peace and development globally. IPU is closer to universal membership, with 180 Member Parliaments out of the 193 countries including our country. Ethiopia | Inter-Parliamentary Union (ipu.org)
