Advancing social justice, promoting decent work
ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations
English
Making Decent Work a Global Goal and a National Reality, International Conference, Düsseldorf, Germany, 18-20 September 2007
From 18-20 September 2007 over 200 participants from 65 countries met to discuss global and national efforts towards making international standards for Decent Work a practical reality. The Conference was organized by the ILO in partnership with the German and Portuguese governments, ISSA, WHO, IALI and other international organizations, with sponsorship from German organizations Basi, Messe Düsseldorf, BAD, DGUV, Fraport and TÜV Rheinland.
The conference brought together experts from all over the world to address the challenges of making decent work a practical reality for millions of workers worldwide. Particular emphasis was given to the need to modernize and revitalize national systems for safety and health at work such as the labour inspectorates, as well as the need for effective social dialogue between all stakeholders, including those in the supply chain.
Speakers discussed various initiatives for promoting such standards and the value of effective labour inspection systems in reducing occupational injuries and ill health. Representatives from the Americas, Europe and Asia described how the challenges of implementation were being addressed in their countries and regions.
The benefits of investing in occupational health and safety were also reviewed, with reference not only to direct employees but also those in the supply chain. Positive benefits included increases in productivity and staff motivation as well as reductions in workplace accidents and ill health.
