Who we are
WAPES is a platform for labour market and employment contacts and the exchange of information between member countries, and a global speaking partner in the field of employment and labour market issues.
WAPES (the World Association of Public Employment Services) is a global association of Public Employment Services. Almost 85 Public Employment Services from all over the world are members; together they represent more than 1 million staff, and they manage labour markets with unemployment rates ranging from two to 80 %.
WAPES was founded in 1988 by the public employment services of Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA, together with the International Labour Organisation, ILO. ILO remains an observer to the organisation.
WAPES is based on the values of its members. The values are non-for-profit orientation, transparency, equal opportunities, high quality in service delivery, accessibility, and service-orientation.
Our vision
The vision of WAPES is to be the only global network for decision-makers in the field of public employment service. WAPES adds value in the fields of employment, migration and education by benchmarking within and between world regions. Decisions taken in this network have a significant impact, thanks to a high rate of participation and a well thought-out management structure.
What we do
WAPES arranges activities in all regions of the world every year for public employment services and other invited organisations: conferences, workshops, peer reviews, trainings, study visits and other consultancies as well as studies and surveys on public employment services' strategy and performance. The activities are arranged together with our members and partners.
All activities contribute to achieving the objectives of being a speaking partner in the global arena, a platform for learning and knowledge-building, and a support for capacity building among members.