Administration and management are decentralized in regional, area and branch offices in more than 40 countries. The work of the Governing Body and of the Office is aided by tripartite committees covering major industries, and by committees of experts on such matters as vocational training, management development, occupational safety and health, industrial relations, workers' education and special problems of women and young workers. Regional conferences of the ILO member States are held periodically to examine matters of special interest to the regions concerned. In 1944, the International Labour Conference meeting in Philadelphia, USA, adopted the Declaration of Philadelphia, which redefined the aims and purpose of the Organization. Freedom of expression and of association are essential to sustained progress.
Poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere.
All human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity.