Palestine has been granted Observer State status at the International Labour Organization (ILO), following the adoption of a resolution that received 386 votes in favour, including the support of the Maldives.

The decision is regarded as a significant step in recognising the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people within the global labour community. The new status will allow Palestine to participate in all ILO meetings alongside tripartite delegations and to appoint delegates to the organisation’s Geneva office from 2026.

The Maldivian delegation, representing the Maldives during the vote, stated they were honoured to take part in what they described as a historic decision.

The delegation at the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference is led by Minister of Higher Education Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, who also met with the Palestinian delegation during the conference. At this meeting, Minister Dr Haidar reaffirmed the Maldives’ continued support for the rights of the Palestinian people.

The International Labour Organization is a United Nations agency responsible for setting global labour standards and promoting social and economic justice through decent working conditions.