Nearly 1,000 participants from over 120 countries representing over 200 democratic workers’ organisations took part in five days of debate and discussion to shape the next four years of action by the global trade union movement.

As well as the Congress Statement on a new social contract, the Congress passed emergency resolutions on Iran, combatting the far right and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. All of these are available here.

Women delegates at the Congress increased to 50.8%, up from 46% in 2018.

Luca Visentini was elected at the new General Secretary to lead with ITUC along with:

• Deputy General Secretaries Eric Mwezi Manzi, Jordania Ureña Lora, Owen Tudor;
• President Akiko Gono;
• Deputy Presidents Cathy Feingold, Antonio Lisboa.

The new ITUC General Secretary Luca Visentini said: “The last few days have been inspirational. We have worked with focus, solidarity and unity to reinforce priorities and goals for the future. This has set the scene for future concrete action.

“We are a movement that is ready to deliver, ready to fight for our objectives, ready to negotiate and ready to organise, organise, organise.

“Together we will win this battle because we stand together and we are ready to include everyone in our movement, no matter their background, no matter where they are.

“Thank you Sharan Burrow. You have radically changed the global agenda for the good of trade unions, the good of working people and the good of the entire world.

“Under your leadership the ITUC has become as important as any other global, multilateral organisation, even as we have faced multiple crises.

“The work you have done with your team is incredible. I pledge to work to further your legacy.”

Sharan Burrow stepped down as General Secretary after leading the ITUC for 12 years: “We are in the fight of our lives for our planet, for jobs and for just transitions.

“But the ITUC family can literally do anything if you are united and work across border. Look at what you’ve achieved.

“Just transition, the care economy, the issue of violence against women, the new social contract. They are all at the centre of the global agenda and you did that.

“There is no power greater than our united family, with values that build a common security that anchor the new social contract.

“Rights, democracy, freedom, solidarity, safety, tax, fairness, courage. We stand for the 99%. That is our common security. You are the most precious force for justice in the world.”

Sharan Burrow thanked the ACTU President Michele O’Neil for hosting the Congress, who added: “Thank you to everyone for bringing your energy and solidarity to Australia. Thank you to Sharan Burrow, you are a teacher, a mentor, an organiser, a leader and a sister.”

Photos and videos of the Congress are available here with more added after the event.