News

May 2012

1. Media Advisory: ILO to publish 2012 edition of Global Employment Trends for Youth

   15 May 2012

   The ILO is to launch its new report on the state of labour markets for youth worldwide. The report, entitled “Global Employment Trends for Youth 2012”, is for release on Tuesday 22 May 2012. The new study examines the continuing job crisis affecting young people in many parts of the world and provides updated statistics on global and regional youth unemployment rates and presents ILO policy recommendations to curb the current trends.

2. 

   ILO to hold a global Youth Employment Forum

   14 May 2012

   Against the backdrop of unprecedented youth unemployment levels, the ILO is to host a global Youth Employment Forum at its headquarters in Geneva from May 23-25.

3. 

   Why have poverty rates decreased in a larger share of developing than developed countries?

   14 May 2012

   According to the ILO "World of Work Report 2012", poverty levels have gone down in the majority of developing countries over the past years, but not as much in developed economies.

4. 

   Can Europe still afford health and long-term care for its elderly?

   11 May 2012

   Ageing is a slow-burning fuse with a strong impact both on public expenditures and the social mood, as shown by this week’s strike in the UK over pensions. The situation is particularly serious in terms of health and long-term care. Even more alarming is the financial burden on households looking after the elderly. Interview with Ms. Xenia Scheil-Adlung, Health Policy Coordinator at the ILO.

5. Young people take centre stage at ILO’s global consultations on youth employment

   10 May 2012

   Against the backdrop of record levels of youth unemployment, the ILO has undertaken a series of consultations, bringing together hundreds of young people to discuss the alarming jobs crisis. The consultations come ahead of a major Youth Employment Forum taking place at the ILO in Geneva on 23-25 May.

6. 

   Africa: No real growth without jobs

   10 May 2012

   Pro-employment macroeconomic policies, public works schemes, investments and promotion of youth employability are key to ensuring future generations share Africa’s growth story, the ILO says as the World Economic Forum on Africa meets.

7. 

   ILO head says social protection is key for crisis-recovery

   09 May 2012

   The head of the ILO says social protection measures are essential in battling the economic crisis as they create demand, while austerity, on the other hand, is taking a heavy toll.

8. 

   Why do fundamental labour standards matter?

   08 May 2012

   The ILO is seeking to achieve 100 per cent ratification of its eight Conventions covering fundamental labour standards by 2015. Tim de Meyer, ILO Senior Specialist on International Labour Standards and Labour Law, explains why these instruments are important for a fairer globalization and how they are linked to relieving poverty and improving lives.

9. 

   Promoting employment, a key goal for the new French President

   07 May 2012

   France has handed the presidency to François Hollande, the first Socialist to take the Elysee since 1995. Hollande, who campaigned on government stimulus programmes rather than on harsh austerity measures, is taking over a country with 10% unemployment. Interview with Raymond Torres, author of the recent ILO's World of Work, on French growth and employment strategy.

10. ILO’s commitment to Rio +20

    07 May 2012

    The ILO is participating actively in the preparations for the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Member countries and social partners have endorsed a set of key messages for the outcome of the summit in June. They call for a stronger coherence between the three pillars of sustainable development and urge the importance of creating more and better employment opportunities while enabling the transition to a green economy.