The General Council gathered more than 150 employers’ organisations members of the IOE, representing over 50 million companies, to celebrate its 100 years of business and the core values for its leadership and credibility, namely transparency, integrity, inclusiveness and diversity.

During the General Council, IOE members were also called to endorse the IOE's overall activity and policy direction, including its response to Covid-19 and engagement with international organisations.

As underlined by the IOE President Erol Kiresepi, this meeting was an occasion to cement unity among members, encourage resiliency in navigating changes and representing the voice of business worldwide despite challenges.

Throughout the discussion participants reflected on the past, present and future of IOE and featured former IOE Secretary-General Brent Wilton and current IOE Secretary-General Roberto Suárez Santos.

Key note speakers stressed the importance of improving and continuing multilateral cooperation as well as public-private partnership. A new history book “A century building a powerful and balanced voice of business” was launched.

Among the online meetings organised throughout the year it is worth mentioning the September virtual Centenary Summit, with the extraordinary participation of H.E. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. In his intervention he underlined the critical role employers’ organisations play today and in the future within the UN system.