STATEMENT
114th International Labour Conference 2026.
Statement by Norway delivered by Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion,
Ms. Kjersti Stenseng, Norway
Check against delivery
4 June 2026.
President,
Director General,
Ministers,
Representatives of workers and employers.
Thank you for an insightful and timely report.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming the world of work at an
unprecedented pace. As the Director-General rightly emphasizes, this is indeed a moment of choice. The decisions we take now will shape whether AI contributes to decent work and social justice – or deepens existing inequalities.
Let me highlight three key reflections.
First, on uncertainty.
As noted in the report, our understanding of AI remains incomplete. Evidence on its impacts – on productivity, employment, working conditions and distribution – is still evolving.
This calls for humility, but also for responsibility. We cannot wait for perfect knowledge before acting. Instead, we must adopt governance frameworks that are adaptive, evidence-based and protective.
Second, on inequality and vulnerable groups.
AI does not affect all workers equally. For instance are women and young people particularly exposed. Women are often overrepresented in occupations with higher exposure to automation, while young people risk losing entry-level opportunities that are critical for skills development and labour market integration. Older workers must not be left behind in the AI transition. As the report highlights, gaps in digital skills risk widening inequalities unless we invest in lifelong learning for all.
Unless we act, AI risks reinforcing existing inequalities – across
gender, generations, and between countries. This makes targeted policies, skills development and inclusive labour market institutions more important than ever.
Third, on the broader societal implications.
AI is not only a technological or economic issue – it is a societal one. We must take seriously its implications for democracy, for the balance of power in the workplace, and for fundamental rights. The growing use of AI in decision-making, including algorithmic management, raises concerns about transparency, accountability and workers’ rights.
In particular, we must safeguard freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. When decisions affecting working conditions are increasingly shaped by opaque systems, the ability of workers to organize, be informed and negotiate is put at risk.
Strong social dialogue is essential in the age of AI. Workers must have a real voice in how these systems are designed and used, and must be given access to understandable and relevant information.
Without this, power imbalances and information gaps will grow, undermining both trust and fair outcomes in the workplace. Tripartism is not a constraint on innovation – it is a strength. It is how we ensure legitimacy, trust and sustainable outcomes.
The Norwegian government aims to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen national competitiveness, boost productivity, and safeguard national security. To achieve this, it plans to enhance digital infrastructure and develop new shared digital solutions. By 2026, the government will establish “AI Norway” (KI
Norge), a national initiative designed to provide guidance, accelerate the adoption of AI technologies, and foster closer collaboration between the public sector, industry, and academia.
President,
The report reminds us that outcomes are not predetermined. They depend on policy choices, institutions and governance.
For Norway, a human-centred approach means that:
• technology must support – not replace – human capabilities
• productivity gains must be fairly shared
• and strong social dialogue must guide the adoption of AI
In closing,
AI must serve people – not the other way around.
And the future of work must remain anchored in dignity, rights and
social justice.
Thank you, Mr. President.