In adapting to new conditions, new demands, new hopes, it holds firm to the convictions that brought it into being and to its mandate to enact, through democratic tripartite partnership, its enduring principles of humanity and justice. Universality is vital for the achievement of these purposes. The original membership of 45 nations grew to 174 in 1997. In 1944, when the ILO had completed 25 years of work and was on the threshold of its post-war expansion of operations, the International Labour Conference meeting in Philadelphia, USA, adopted the Declaration of Philadelphia, which redefined the aims and purposes 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. International Labour Conference of Conventions and Recommendations which set international standards. Through ratifications by member States, Conventions are intended to create binding obligations to put their provisions into effect. Recommendations provide guidance on policy, legislation and practice. Each member state is required to submit all Conventions and Recommendations adopted by the Conference to the competent national authorities for a decision as to the action to be taken on them.