Media centre: 15th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting

ILO Asia Pacific Regional Meeting concludes with Recommendations to counter employment consequences of global economic turmoil

07 December 2011

Representatives of governments, workers and employers from the Asian, Pacific and Arab states have concluded a four day meeting at which they discussed ways the region could prepare to counter the consequences of the current economic uncertainty.

ILO pictures of the 15th Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, Kyoto, Japan

05 December 2011

Video: Building a Sustainable Future with Decent Work in Asia and the Pacific

04 December 2011

Economically, the Asia-Pacific region has performed impressively in recent years. But the austerity measures in Europe and contracting consumer markets in the United States – Asia’s two largest export markets - are threatening the region’s continued growth. Growing unrest among the region’s massive, under-employed youth population and persisting unfair distribution of economic gains are challenges that must also be addressed. The ILO and its constituents in government, employer and worker organizations are trying to find a common approach that benefits all.

Video: Coordinated Macroeconomic, Employment and Social Protection Policies in Asia and the Pacific

04 December 2011

A post-crisis, macroeconomic framework that supports more inclusive and balanced growth requires a renewed commitment to full employment as a core macroeconomic policy goal. Trade and investment policies can work together with tax and social protection systems to support employment, and ensure that the benefits of growth and productivity are shared more widely. Some of the ways forward are the creation of a basic social protection floor and public employment guarantee schemes targeting the unemployed and working poor.

Video: Productive Employment, Sustainable Enterprises and Skills Development in Asia and the Pacific

04 December 2011

Even before the current series of economic and jobs crises the quality of jobs being generated was a cause for concern. Unless this issue is addressed it will not be possible to rebalance growth in the region effectively. Non-standard and informal employment, offering low pay and poor working conditions, have grown steadily and are contributing to growing inequalities in incomes. Closer attention is needed to reducing poverty, creating productive employment and social and economic mobility, with particular attention given to the needs of young people. The formal economy can be expanded in low and middle income economies in the region, and an enabling environment with support for sustainable enterprises is possible. Increasing investment in human resources and improving working conditions with and through engagement of the social partners can play an important role in this process.

Video: Rights at Work and Social Dialogue in Asia and the Pacific

04 December 2011

Throughout the region increasing numbers of collective and individual disputes are creating strain on dispute resolution mechanisms. Underpinning any solution must be a system that delivers more equitable growth. For this to happen, the region's future development must be based around adherence to international labour standards - including core and governance Conventions, respect for fundamental principles and rights at work, and effective mechanisms supporting dialogue, voice and organizational rights. Reducing informality of work, regulating the employment relationship and targeting persistent discrimination are ways forward. Improved productivity can be linked to better wages, using effective labour market institutions and social dialogue, and measures to ensure that workers have sufficient leverage in determining and protecting standards of living.

Address by the Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

04 December 2011

Address delivered at the Closing Ceremony of the 15th Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, Kyoto, Japan.

Address by Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, Kyoto, Japan

04 December 2011

Statement delivered 4 December 2011

Address by Director-General of the ILO at the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Asia and Pacific Regional Meeting, Kyoto, Japan

04 December 2011

Statement delivered on 4 December 2011.

ILO Director-General says policy makers need to reconnect with the needs of working families and put job creation at the centre of economic recovery efforts

04 December 2011

The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr Juan Somavia, warned that “dark clouds” are gathering again in Asia, even as growth rebounds and investment is flowing back. Asia’s economy is more open than ever before but with the risk of the global economy slipping into a double-dip recession, this openness has positive as well as negative implications.