Bangladesh chaired the ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) at the International Labour Organization (ILO), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, social justice and inclusive development through multilateral engagement.

The ministerial meeting, hosted by the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in Geneva on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC), brought together labour ministers and senior delegates from across the Arab, Asia and Pacific regions, according to a message received here today. 
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury chaired the meeting, which was attended by 15 ministers and more than 100 delegates representing ASPAG's 47 member states.

Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Geneva Nahida Sobhan, who served as ASPAG coordinator, moderated the session, while Labour Secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder delivered the vote of thanks.

The Director-General of the ILO and the regional directors for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific regions also addressed the ministerial held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

In his remarks, the labour minister thanked ASPAG members for their support and cooperation during Bangladesh's tenure as coordinator of the influential regional grouping.

He described ASPAG as one of the most diverse groups within the ILO, encompassing countries with varying levels of development, economic structures, cultures and labour market realities.

Despite these differences, he said, the member states remain united by a shared commitment to promoting decent work, social justice and inclusive development.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's longstanding support for multilateralism, Choudhury called for collective efforts to strengthen and democratise global labour governance.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Nahida Sobhan highlighted ASPAG's unique position within the ILO, saying the group's diversity, shaped by both ancient civilisations and contemporary development experiences, offers valuable perspectives on labour, development and the future of work.

She urged member states to work together under the theme "Connecting Diversity, Advancing Unity", describing diversity as one of ASPAG's greatest strengths.

Labour Secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder thanked member states for their friendship, support and cooperation throughout Bangladesh's coordination period and stressed the importance of collective action in shaping the future of work.

He reaffirmed ASPAG's role as a vital platform for advancing social justice and decent work through regional cooperation.

Representing nearly half of the global workforce, ASPAG remains one of the most influential regional groups within the ILO. Bangladesh served as the regional coordinator of the grouping over the past year, culminating in the ministerial meeting.