For six decades, the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO) has been pioneering training and capacity-building programmes that unite Governments, Employers’ and Workers’ organizations, diplomats, and policymakers from around the world to advance social justice and sustainable development. Established in 1964, the Centre continues to evolve as a dynamic innovation hub, serving as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration across the international labour community.

On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, the ITCILO is hosting a year-long series of celebratory events, inaugurated at the presence of distinguished guests including the Minister of Labour of Italy, H. E. Marina Calderone, the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, and the ITCILO Director, Christophe Perrin.

Reflecting on the Centre’s founding role, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo remarks, “The Turin Centre is critical to our dedication to prepare workers, employers, governments, as well as other actors for these challenges through innovative training programmes.”

Since its inception, the Centre has hosted diplomats, officials, and dignitaries from around the world, including Italian Presidents and UN Secretaries-General.

Director Christophe Perrin emphasizes, “Turin is home to the Centre and has become an integral part of our identity. This is one of our greatest strengths. We are deeply grateful to our strategic partners: the Italian Government, the Piedmont Region, and the City of Turin, who have supported us from the very beginning.”

As part of the 60th anniversary, the ITCILO has opened a special photo exhibition entitled “Pioneering Learning for Social Justice”, running until October 2025. This exhibition captures the ITCILO’s transformative journey over the decades, showcasing the people and events that shaped its mission and impact.

Minister Calderone highlights Turin’s role in fostering dialogue and innovation, stating, “The presence of this Centre in Italy, especially here in Turin, has a great strategic value for our country. Turin’s tradition of international cooperation and innovation makes it the ideal setting for this institution. We are committed to advancing fair work practices and investing in this Centre.”

The ITCILO intends to be a dynamic hub where training programmes combine cutting-edge methodologies with diverse, cross-sector perspectives. Its courses, ranging from one to five weeks and facilitated by certified instructors, use advanced tools such as virtual reality and AI applications. The Turin School of Development, in partnership with the University of Turin and the Politecnico di Torino, offers specialized Masters’ programmes, underscoring the Centre’s mission to cultivate skills that meet the challenges of the future.

In 2023 alone, over 6,800 participants from 177 countries joined the ITCILO’s on-site programmes, with nearly 100,000 engaging in online learning. This dedication to innovative, inclusive training enables the Centre to continuously adapt while staying true to its founding mission of promoting decent work and social justice worldwide.