Despite unprecedented political and financial difficulties, the International Labour Organization's Director-General reported significant progress in all fields at the Fifty-seventh Session of the International Labour Conference, convened in Switzerland in 1972. An action research program in world employment problems is in progress, with a mission to Ceylon already completed and missions in Iran, Kenya, Latin America, and Asia under way. Labor standards were adopted to protect against industrial poisonings and occupational cancer. In addition, work has been done concerning paid educational leave, freedom of association, and collective bargaining. Operational activities have increased by 25 percent, including work with various aid-giving agencies and the United Nations Development Programme. The ten topical chapters of this report discuss: (1) Trade, Development, Cooperation, Employment and Labour, (2) World Employment Programme, (3) Development of Human Resources, (4) Conditions of Work and Life, (5) Social Institutions Development, (6) Human Rights and International Labor Standards, (7) Regional and Industrial Activities, (8) Technical Cooperation, (9) the International Institute for Labour Studies and International Centre for Advanced Technical and Vocational Training, and (10) a New Long-Term Plan. A policy statement and action taken on the conference resolutions are appended. (AG)