On June 13, 2023, the Head of the national tripartite delegation to the 111th session of the International Labour Conference /ILC/ Ivanka Shalapatova, Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria, delivered a national statement on the Report of the Director General of the International Labour Organization /ILO/ entitled "Advancing Social Justice". The 111th session of the ICC takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from 5-16 June 2023.

Minister Shalapatova emphasized the key importance of the development and implementation at the national level of integrated and inclusive policies, at the center of which is the individual. It emphasized the need for active labour market policies, which should be based on the principles of non-discrimination and equality between women and men, social protection, decent working conditions, safety at work and lifelong learning.

She noted the enormous challenges facing humanity that require immediate and effective action, paying particular attention to growing inequalities. He recalled the deeply concerning fact that 160 million children are still engaged in child labour and almost 28 million people – in forced labour.

The Minister of Labour and Social Policy focused on the priorities of the National Employment Strategy of Bulgaria, pointing out that in the short term, emphasis is placed on the acquisition of digital and vocational skills and increasing employment. The long run the government will aim at mitigating the negative consequences of the past crises and supporting the restructuring of the economy. She noted that the war in Ukraine represents a serious challenge for the social system in Bulgaria.

Ivanka Shalapatova assured that Bulgaria will continue to actively participate and support all the activities of the International Labor Organization and confirmed the full commitment of the Bulgarian experts to achieve social justice.

During her two-day visit to Geneva, Minister Shalapatova held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Moldova, Alexey Buzu, during which the possibilities for future partnership and exchange of experience between Bulgaria and Moldova in the field of social protection were discussed based on the signed Memorandum of Cooperation. The focus of the conversation was the Policies for children and the implementation of the European Child Guarantee were among the main focus of the discussion. Minister Buzu expressed interest in studying Bulgaria's experience in the field of labour and social policy as a preparation for Moldova's accession to the European Union.

The Bulgarian Minister of Labour and Social Policy also met with the Minister of Employment and Human Resources of Kiribati, Taabeta Theakai. Within the framework of the meeting, the possibilities for cooperation on labour mobility issues were discussed between the two ministries.