Development and investment for a sustainable response to COVID-19

The economic and social disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to damage global employment and livelihoods in the long term, with losses in the order of hundreds of millions of jobs. As of 30 June 2020, the ILO estimated that 400 million full time-jobs could be destroyed due to containment measures. While several countries are already preparing and launching initial response and recovery measures, certain population groups, such as the many working poor in the informal economy and those living in fragile contexts, are disproportionately affected by the crisis and require specific support.

The Development and Investment Branch (DEVINVEST) is well equipped to assist ILO member States in addressing the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, particularly in LICs, LDCs and countries affected by fragility, conflict and disaster. Following the immediate response, which focuses on protecting the unemployed and the most vulnerable through social protection mechanisms, it will be the time for these countries to “build back better” and adjust to a "new normal".

Supported by DEVINVEST and guided by Recommendation 205 on Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience, governments, employers and workers organizations can develop job creation and income generation initiatives for effective recovery from COVID-19 with a view to increasing resilience to future shocks. The ILO’s Jobs for Peace and Resilience Flagship Programme (JPR), which is currently active in over 30 countries, can be used as a vehicle for mitigating the socio-economic consequences of COVID-19 while reinforcing existing paths of resilience through multi-disciplinary responses that create jobs, reinforce skills and support private sector and local economic development in affected countries. Employment-intensive public works, designed and implemented with the support of the Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) of DEVINVEST, are one of the most viable instruments to generate immediate employment opportunities while creating quality infrastructure, thus promoting the revival of the local economy and of the environment.

COVID-19 Knowledge and Tools

Policy Briefs:

Technical Guidance:

Country-level initiatives:

Statements:

COVID-19 Resource Pages

COVID-19 Webinars

Normative Guidance