Events coverage

June 2012

1. 

   Myanmar needs democracy-friendly development growth, says Aung San Suu Kyi

   14 June 2012

   Aung San Suu Kyi called for international aid and investment to promote economic progress in Myanmar and in particular focussed attention on the problem of youth unemployment. Highlighting the potential of her country both in terms of its natural and human resources, she noted, "it is not so much joblessness as hopelessness that threatens our future. The Nobel laureate made her landmark address to a packed Assembly Hall at the 101st session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

2. 

   Lessons from the Global Economic Crisis: International experts share insights in a high level panel discussion at the 2012 ILC in Geneva

   13 June 2012

   In the plenary hall of the 2012 International Labour Conference in Geneva, a panel of high level experts from South Africa, China, Chile, Belgium, Russia and Australia shared their experiences, the challenges and some lessons learned since the Global Economic Crisis began.

3. 

   Myanmar welcomes lifting of restrictions on ILO technical cooperation and support announced at 2012 International Labour Conference in Geneva

   13 June 2012

   Stating they are "cautiously optimistic", the member states of the International Labour Organization have agreed to lift or suspend key restrictions on the ILO's work in Myanmar. Following a vote in the ILC plenary session in Geneva, the ILO agreed to lift restrictions which excluded the Government of Myanmar from receiving ILO technical cooperation and assistance. It also suspends for one year an ILO request of its members to review their relationships with Myanmar to ensure forced labour is not being used in those relationships. Under the agreement announced at the ILC, representatives of Myanmar can also now attend most ILO meetings, symposia and seminars.

4. 

   "Full employment contributes above all to achieving human dignity", said the Italian President at the International Labour Conference

   13 June 2012

   Italian President Giorgio Napolitano addressed delegates today at the ILO Conference in Geneva, urging that full employment and social protection should be a top priority in achieving global development. The Head of State said growth should be focused on employment, structural reforms, a restart of public investments in infrastructure and human capital, and new research and innovations.

5. 

   Zambian President vows to lift millions out of poverty through job creation

   08 June 2012

   During his speech delivery today at the ILO conference in Geneva, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Michael Chilufya announced his plans to make a real economic impact through enhanced dialogue with key partners to get the right policies in place. He committed to uplifting youth and other vulnerable groups and achieve higher and more sustainable economic growth, regardless of diverse and regional situations.

6. 

   ILO Head calls for a policy rethink to overcome global economic uncertainty

   06 June 2012

   In his address to the ILC, ILO DG Juan Somavia, urges that in the midst of crisis, now is a time for policy reevaluation to ensure a more stable global economy. He highlights that growth can no longer be the key criteria for macroeconomic success, but instead quality job creation, the reduction of poverty and fair access opportunities need to be brought to the forefront to ensure international cooperation.

7. 

   "Hard to See, Harder to Count": ILO Launches New Global Estimates on Forced Labour

   01 June 2012

May 2012

1. 

   ILO Head: "New Jobs and Environment Protection, We Can Do Both"

   31 May 2012

   According to a report issued by the ILO along with the Green Jobs Initiative, up to 60 million jobs over the next two decades could be achieved by moving to a greener economy. "There can be substantial net gains in employment, social inclusion and poverty reduction through an integrated approach to economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development", declared ILO Director-General, Juan Somavia, today in Geneva.

2. 

   ILO's Somavia warns of "vicious downward economic spiral"

   30 May 2012

   The austerity-only course to fiscal consolidation is putting Europe on a course to economic stagnation and building up a social debt that undermines the values that Europe pioneered, according to the ILO's Director General, Juan Somavia, in his opening speech to the International Labour Conference in Geneva.

3. 

   Guy Ryder elected 10th Director-General of the ILO

   28 May 2012

   Guy Ryder,currently the ILO's Executive Director for International Labour Standards and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, was elected as the tenth Director-General of the ILO. He will begin his five-year term in October 2012.