The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the world of work into its worst crisis since the end of World War II. What is more, as a result of the pandemic, hopeful initiatives such as the UN Social Development Goals are now facing daunting new challenges. In this interview, Sangheon Lee, Director of the department that guides ILO action for promoting full and productive employment policies, discusses the situation as it stands and how to get from the “new normal” to a “better normal”.