Asian-European labour ministers commit to fostering employment with focus on young people

HANOI (ILO News) – Labour ministers from Asian and European countries agreed on the need for policies to foster employment and create decent jobs amid the global credit crunch, stated the Hanoi Declaration on Employment and Social Protection – a Key to Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.

The declaration, which ended the fourth ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers’ Conference in Hanoi on 25th-26th October, gave a focus on young people and other vulnerable groups.

“Vocational training and quality apprenticeship should be enhanced where necessary,” the declaration wrote.

The labour ministers committed to strengthening the links between human resource development and the labour market, encouraging the participation of social partners and other stakeholders in the process, and supporting young entrepreneurs.

The declaration emphasized the role of legal migrant workers, the fair transition to a green economy, and the importance of social dialogue between governments, employers and workers.

The top labour officials from Asia and Europe also highlighted the Decent Work Agenda of International Labour Organization (ILO) as “an important tool to achieve a more decent life for all”.

Social protection, corporate social responsibility and the promotion of the ILO conventions on health and safety at work were also essential components in the creation of decent jobs for all, according to the declaration.