Houngbo made ILO chief

Gilbert F. Houngbo from Togo will be the next Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the organization announced on Friday, reported Xinhua.

He was elected by the United Nations (UN) agency's Governing Body, comprising representatives of governments, workers and employers, during their meeting in Geneva.

Houngbo, former prime minister of Togo, will be the 11th head of the agency, and the first African to hold the post.

His five-year term will begin on Oct. 1, 2022. The current Director-General, Guy Ryder, from the United Kingdom, has held the office since 2012.

Four other candidates from the Republic of Korea, South Africa, France and Australia participated in the elections.

Founded in 1919, the ILO has the mandate to promote decent work for all. It has 187 member states.