It is a great pleasure and honor to introduce Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, a distinguished member of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization. The World Commission was created by the ILO Governing Body in 2001 and given full and independent responsibility for preparing a major authoritative report on the social dimension of globalization, including the interactions between the global economy and the world of work. The Commissioners were appointed by the ILO’s Director-General from across the globe for their recognized eminence and authority and reflecting the principal views and policy concerns in the globalization debates.

And Dr. Surin is certainly very eminent. He has had a long and distinguished career in government and foreign affairs of . He was the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001. He served as a Member of Parliament for six consecutive terms since first being elected in 1986. Dr. Surin holds a Ph.D. in political science from . He was also a member of the Commission on Human Security, and is a regular columnist for major newspapers in .

The report of the World Commission: A Fair Globalization Creating Opportunities for All, which was launched in February 2004 to wide acclaim and support, underscores the fact that over two decades of globalization have not lived up to what most people hoped for. Unemployment, social and labour insecurity, inequalities and poverty remain very pervasive, inspite of undeniable improvements. Certain groups of the population – women and children among them – remain highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The World Commission therefore called for a process of globalization that is fair, inclusive and provides opportunities and tangible benefits for more people and more countries.

To achieve a fair and inclusive globalization, solutions have to begin at national level, to begin at home, and people have to be enabled and empowered – particularly through education - to achieve the benefits of globalization. Child labour is both a serious problem in its own right and a major factor limiting school enrolment, retention and educational achievement.

We are very fortunate that this morning we have Dr. Surin to elaborate on the Commission’s message and also to share with us his suggestions, particularly on how to protect the most vulnerable from the downside of globalization and to bring the benefits to children - the future and hope of the world. His suggestions will be invaluable in helping us to strategically place IPEC’s work programme in the context of the ILO’s follow-up to the Globalization report. We have just received the Director-General Programme Guidance Letter for the preparation of the 2006-2007 Programme and Budget, which gives priority to the ILO’s follow-up to the Globalization report.