Research Training on Evidence-Based Policy Making for Decent Work

The world is grappling with multifaceted crises, from the reverberations of the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions and environmental upheavals. In such turbulent times, the need for informed decision-making has never been more crucial. We must steer our policies towards solutions that prioritize social justice and promote decent work for all.

Highlighted in the 111th International Labor Conference (ILC, 2023) Report, the constraints on advancing social justice underscore the urgency of evidence-based policymaking. To bridge the gap between research and policy, decision makers in the government, trade unions and employers organization should have adequate tools and instruments to navigate complex policy landscapes effectively.

To meet this imperative, the ILO’s Research Department is offering training courses "From Research to Policy: Evidence-based Policymaking for Decent Work." These courses aim to empower participants with robust research and data skills, tailored to the domains of social justice and decent work promotion.

Throughout the training, participants will delve into the intricacies of using research findings, data and knowledge for policy development through evidence-based policymaking. They will explore advanced research methodologies, statistical analysis techniques, and learn to synthesize empirical evidence to inform policy decisions effectively. By equipping individuals with these critical skills, we aim to foster a culture of evidence-informed policymaking that drives tangible progress towards decent work for all.

Our training programmes are strategically aligned with global initiatives such as the Global Coalition for Social Justice, the Centenary Declaration, and the Sustainable Development Goals. By nurturing the capacities of individuals, organizations, and societies, we aspire to catalyse positive change across all levels of policymaking and implementation.

The training is particularly beneficial for mid- to senior-level officials from governments, employers and workers organizations, involved in policymaking, policy analysis, or advocacy. Whether they are research officers, analysts, advisors, or policymakers, these individuals play a pivotal role in shaping informed debates and steering policy agendas towards meaningful outcomes.

As we embark on this journey towards evidence-based policymaking, participants will have the opportunity to draft policy briefs on topics of relevance to them, guided by ILO experts. These briefs will undergo rigorous review processes before publication, ensuring their quality and impact in informing real-world policy decisions.

The following trainings are planned for 2024-25: 

1. Africa Labour Regional Labour Administration Center (ARLAC) training of trainers on evidence-based policymaking, phase 2 pilot, Harare 4-8 March 2024

2. Research to Policy: international training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work (online), 6-31 May 2024

3. Oman national training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work and social justice, 23-27 June 2024

4. European Regional training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work, Istanbul 2-6 September 2024

5. Africa regional training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work, Dakar, 21-25 October 2024

6. Southeast Asia regional training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work, tbc, Bangkok 

7. Training of trainers of National labour research institute, VV Giri National Labour Institute -India, tbc 2025

8. BRICS network of labour research institutes, 2025 online, 2025 face-to-face, Brazil

9. Research Academy, May 2025, Turin/Geneva

10. Latin America & Caribbean Regional training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work, 2025, tbd

11. Pakistan national training on evidence-based policymaking for decent work, tbc

12. Trainings to build capacities of National labour research institutes (on demand).

The training activities are led by Naren Prasad (Head of Education & Training, ILO Research Department) and other seasoned experts and trainers from the ILO and the ILO International Training Centre in Turin.  

For more information, reach out to us at researchcourse@ilo.org. Together, let's champion evidence-based policymaking as a cornerstone for building a more just and equitable world of decent work for all.