The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Switzerland have launched “Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work”, a five-year project under Switzerland’s Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026–2030 Programme, according to a press release issued by the ILO. The initiative was unveiled in Kyiv on 17 June 2026. The ILO leads Component IV on Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work for SMEs in Ukraine. Its aim is to contribute to Ukraine’s economic transformation by strengthening productivity, enterprise competitiveness, and decent work across the country. Enterprises in Ukraine will receive support to improve productivity, working conditions, and competitiveness as part of the country’s reconstruction.
The Competitiveness for Recovery Ukraine 2026–2030 Programme is funded by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It is implemented by the Helvetas–NIRAS consortium, with the ILO leading the cross-cutting labour market component through its Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work approach. This approach has been successfully implemented by the ILO in several countries. It has been applied across sectors including agro-processing, garment manufacturing, furniture, automotive, leather, stonework, and machinery production.
The component led by the ILO is designed to strengthen productivity and improve working conditions. It will support workers and enterprises as they navigate the economic challenges caused by the war. Labour constraints make productivity a top priority, enabling companies to remain competitive while reducing excessive workloads for employees. The ILO promotes decent work strategies, including the protection of workers’ rights and the inclusion of women and veterans in the labour market. These are positioned as key drivers of higher productivity.
Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine, underscored the importance of strengthening the link between productivity and decent work.
“Competitiveness begins in the workplace. Productivity is not only about technology or investment – it is also about skills, social dialogue, and decent work. Through Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work, the ILO will help strengthen these foundations, supporting stronger enterprises, better opportunities for people and a more productive economy as Ukraine advances its recovery, reconstruction and European integration ambitions,” she said.
Her remarks framed productivity as a workplace-level matter tied directly to skills and dialogue.
Through the initiative, the ILO will support stronger sectoral policies, workforce upskilling and reskilling, and improved occupational safety and health (OSH) practices. It will also enhance cooperation among government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations. Through this tripartite approach, the ILO intends to boost productivity, expand economic opportunities, and foster more inclusive growth contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction. Building on the ILO’s wider work in Ukraine, the initiative reflects the shared commitment of the ILO and Switzerland. Together, they aim to strengthen productivity, advance decent work, and foster a more competitive and inclusive economy.
