Guy Ryder, left, agreed the partnership with Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto ©Tokyo 2020/Uta Mukuo

Tokyo 2020 have agreed a partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which they claim will help to advance socially responsible labour practices among the Games’ delivery partners.

The agreement was announced during a visit of ILO director general Guy Ryder to Japan, with a Memorandum of Understanding due to be signed shortly to formalise the partnership.

It Is claimed the two parties will encourage enterprises to play a positive role in promoting responsible labour practices through corporate social responsibility.

The practices will be promoted in all delivery partners for the Games, with guidance coming from the ILO’s Tripartite Declaration of Principles, which concerns multinational enterprises and social policy.

Technical seminars and symposiums will also take place.

“This agreement is much to the credit of the Organising Committee, who reached out to the ILO,” said Ryder.

“On this occasion, Tokyo 2020, we have the chance to move from ad hoc informal relationships to a formal and systemic cooperation and this marks a qualitative step forward.

“It parallels the on-going dialogue that the ILO has with the International Olympic Committee.

“This agreement can set the standards for future practices in the Olympic Movement.”

The agreement will see the promotion of socially responsible labour practices amongst the Games’ delivery partners ©Getty Images
The agreement will see the promotion of socially responsible labour practices amongst the Games’ delivery partners ©Getty Images

Tokyo 2020 state that promoting jobs and enterprise development and guaranteeing rights at work are among the four pillars of the ILO's decent work agenda.

The agenda also includes extending social protection and promoting social dialogue.

It is claimed the four pillars are a key driver of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The agreement marks Tokyo 2020’s first partnership with a UN organisation, while it is also the first time ILO have joined forces with an Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee.

“Since 2014, the ILO has been supportive of Tokyo 2020, providing insights and technical assistance,” said Toshiro Muto, Tokyo 2020 chief executive.

“We are delighted to further deepen our collaboration through this unique partnership, which reinforces Tokyo 2020’s commitment to sustainability.”

Tokyo 2020 state that the agreement also reflects part of the IOC’s sustainability strategy, which requires organisers to ensure that working environments are safe and healthy, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that conditions on all projects carried out in conjunction with the Olympics meet internationally-recognised standards.