A fair globalization: Creating opportunities for all

Using worldwide expertise, examines the various facets of globalization, the diversity of public perceptions of the process, and its implications for economic and social progress. Proposes a series of coordinated measures across a broad front to improve governance and accountability at both national and international levels. These include fairer rules for international trade, investment, finance and migration, which take account of all interests, rights and responsibilities; measures to promote core labour standards and a minimum level of social protection in the global economy; and new efforts to mobilize international resources to raise capabilities and meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Maps out the priorities for national, local and regional policies which can empower people to participate effectively in the opportunities of globalization.

“I ordered the ILO book for my class on Development and Politics in Africa. It is a study of the political economy of Africa, and one of the themes we discuss in class is Globalisation and this book addresses topics which are very relevant for the class . . . Students find it extremely interesting and up to date on the issues we discuss."
Yaw Twumasi, African-American Studies Department, University of Michigan, USA 2004

“The New York Times (February 24, 2004) reported that ILO has just published a volume entitled A Fair Globalization. May I join many social scientists to welcome the publication because ILO is known worldwide for the high quality of its publications ― objectivity and thoroughness in scholarly research."
Anthony Y.C. Koo, Visiting Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Florida State University, USA 2004

This is a groundbreaking report urging that building a fair and inclusive globalization become a worldwide priority. Calling for an “urgent rethink” of current policies and institutions of global governance, the report attempts to break the current impasse by focusing on the concerns and aspirations of people and on the ways to better harness the potential of globalization itself.

This report was compiled by the World Commission on the Social Dimensions of Globalization, co-chaired by the Presidents of Finland and Tanzania, and whose members include a Nobel Economics Laureate, parliamentarians, social and economic experts and representatives of business and multinational corporations, organized labour, academia and civil society. This broadly representative group has put forth, through this report, the first systematic attempt to deal with social dimensions of globalization.

Among its prescriptions for achieving a fair and inclusive globalization, the report proposes a series of coordinated measures across a broad front to improve governance and accountability at both national and international levels. These include fairer rules for international trade, investment, finance and migration, which take account of all interests, rights and responsibilities; measures to promote core labour standards and a minimum level of social protection in the global economy; and new efforts to mobilize international resources to raise capabilities and meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).