Since October 1, 2022, Gilbert F. Houngbo has been the Director General of the International Labor Organization (ILO) which aims to promote social justice, human rights and internationally recognized rights at work.
Mr. Houngbo has over 30 years of experience in the public, multilateral and private sectors. He served as Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo from 2008 to 2012 where he led substantial improvements in economic and social development and governance. He has also held several leadership positions at the United Nations, including as President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) from 2017 to 2022, Deputy Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) from 2013 to 2017. From 1996 to 2008, he held several positions at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where he served in turn as Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Africa. He spent a decade in the private sector, notably with Price Waterhouse in Canada.
Mr. Houngbo also chairs UN-Water and the board of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI). He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).
Mr. Houngbo holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lomé (Togo) and a Graduate Diploma in Specialized Accounting from the University of Quebec (Canada). He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants.