The ILO and globalization

Recent events and publications

The following provides summary information and web links on recent conferences, meetings, reports and studies concerning globalization issues of relevance to the social and labour field.

Recent events

European Union (EU)

European Council meeting (Göteborg, 15-16 June 2001)

        The Heads of State and Government of the European Union (EU) gathered in Göteborg, Sweden, on 15 and 16 June 2001 for a meeting of the European Council. Referring to the future of Europe, in its conclusions the Presidency stated that enlargement and globalization presented the EU with great opportunities and challenges, and stressed that a strong, open and rule-based multilateral trading system contributed to the EU's strategic goals, including the promotion of economic growth, sustainable development and the social dimensions of globalization. The launch of an ambitious and balanced new round of multilateral trade negotiations at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the WTO in Doha, Qatar, in November remained the objective of the Union. Such a round should respond to the interests of all WTO members, and in particular to those of developing countries, and demonstrate that the trading system can respond to the concerns of civil society. The Council urged all WTO partners to work constructively and flexibly to forge a consensus in Doha.

        Regarding full employment and the quality of work in a competitive Union, an issue addressed in the Presidency Conclusions of the previous European Council meeting in Stockholm (March 2001), the EU stressed the need for member States to capitalize on the entire labour force by improving women's opportunities to enter the labour market and increasing employment rates among older workers. A comprehensive approach was needed to meet the challenges of an ageing society. The European Council endorsed the three broad principles for securing the long-term sustainability of pension systems as identified by the Council: safeguarding the capacity of systems to meet their social objectives, maintaining their financial sustainability and meeting changing social needs.

        Finally, the European Council agreed on a strategy for sustainable development and added an environmental dimension to the Lisbon process for employment (European Council, Lisbon, March 2000), economic reform and social cohesion. According to the Presidency’s Conclusions, this had the potential to unleash a new wave of technological innovation and investment, generating growth and employment. The EU's Sustainable Development Strategy is based on the principle that the economic, social and environmental effects of all policies should be examined in a coordinated way and taken into account in decision-making.

• Göteborg Presidency Conclusions:
  Official website (English)
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Other

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Fifteenth Meeting of ASEAN Labour Ministers
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 10-11 May 2001)

In their Joint Communiqué, the Ministers of Labour of ASEAN States noted the efforts by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to promote the ratification of core labour standards. They expressed satisfaction that ASEAN member countries had responded positively by ratifying several of the fundamental Conventions in response to promotional efforts by the ILO. They also reiterated their view, supported by their counterparts from East Asia, that labour standards should not be linked to international trade and that the ILO is the most competent body to deal with the issue.

They further noted that the ILO's Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) had received overwhelming support from ASEAN member countries, and called for appropriate technical assistance to ensure effective implementation of the Convention. They were also pleased to note the decision by the Governing Body to review the ILO's standard-setting processes and supervisory mechanisms.

In their communiqué, they stated that human capital is the most important determinant of any successful transition to a knowledge-based economy. To achieve this, improving the education standards, skills training and retraining, lifelong learning and consultative industrial relations among the social partners were listed as important strategies to be used by all of the ASEAN economies in order to ensure a smooth transition to a knowledge-based economy. The ministers stressed that the implementation of their work programme would further their vision of addressing the impact of globalization and trade liberalization on labour and employment, particularly by enhancing the quality of ASEAN's manpower, strengthening the capacity to better manage the impact of economic downturns on labour and employment, and safeguarding the well-being of workers. The main issues addressed in the work programme are –

1. the sharing and exchange of experience and best practices in developing social protection and social security systems;
2. promoting tripartite cooperation in relation to economic restructuring, through increased consultations between the social partners;
3. enhancing the capacity to design programmes and policies on employment generation, focusing on active labour market policies and retraining.

Third Summit of the Americas (Quebec City, 20-22 April 2001)

The Third Summit of the Americas was held in Quebec City, Canada, from 20 to 22 April 2001. In the Declaration of Quebec City, which called for a free trade zone across the hemisphere by 2005, the Heads of State and Government of the Americas renewed their commitment to "hemispheric integration and national and collective responsibility for improving the economic well-being and security of our people."

The Plan of Action adopted by the Summit aimed "to strengthen representative democracy, promote good governance and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms ... to create greater prosperity and expand economic opportunities while fostering social justice and the realization of human potential." Section 11 of the Plan of Action ("Labor and Employment") reaffirms respect for the ILO Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-Up, and calls for ratification and implementation of the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).

Main outcomes

• Declaration of Quebec City
• Plan of Action pdf | html