FIRST NATIONAL ROUND TABLE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF GLOBALISATION FOR THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
25 September 2002
The First National Round Table Discussion on Social Dimensions of Globalization for the Russian Federation took place on September 25 in Moscow.
Globalization is a term that is used in many ways, but the idea underlying is the progressive integration of economies and societies within a common global framework. It is driven by new technologies, new economic relationships and the national and international policies of a wide range of actors, including governments, international organizations, business, labour and civil society.
The social dimension of globalization embraces the impact of globalization on the life and work of people, on their families, and their societies.
Concerns and issues are often raised about the impact of globalization on employment, working conditions, income and social protection. Beyond the world of work, the social dimension encompasses security, culture and identity, inclusion or exclusion and the cohesiveness of families and communities. A balanced view is needed to highlight both positive and negative impacts.
Something, so complex as globalization, cannot be analyzed by any single institution. Solving global issues requires global efforts and involvement of global institutions through participatory approaches bringing together all stakeholders. With its unique tripartite structure and experience the ILO is best placed to address these issues.
To reduce inequality between and within countries and ensure that global economy benefits reach working people and their families the ILO took a multilateral initiative and in November 2001, ILO established the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization. The Commission has 25 members and is Co-Chaired by President Tarja Halonen of Finland and President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania. The Commission was established to respond to the needs of people as they cope with the unprecedented changes which globalization has brought to their lives, their families, and to the societies in which they live.
The Commission will address the social implications of globalization and involves all the organizations dealing with international aspects of economic and social policy. Russia’s vice-prime minister Ms. Matvienko is a member of the commission. The Commission began its work in early 2002 and is expected to issue its final Report by the end of 2003.
The Commission will examine ways in which international organizations can contribute to a more inclusive globalization process that is acceptable for all and will formulate concrete actions to guide and shape the process of globalization. Analyze the impact of globalization on employment, decent work, poverty reduction, economic growth and development.
Russia has been identified to be among the first countries where the World Commission on Social Dimensions of Globalization will pilot a series of Round Table Discussions on Social Dimensions of Globalization. It has been agreed that jointly with the Ministry of Economic Affairs the ILO will organize and launch series of Round Table Consultative Discussions on key issues of Social Consequences of Globalization in Moscow aiming to understand the anticipated benefits and apprehensions for Russia and identify measures and changes required to ensure the "human face" of the globalization.
In view of the complexity of the phenomenon of social globalization there is a long list of topics to be discussed during national consultations. The ILO constituents are finalizing the list of topics to be discussed within the framework during a series of the Round Table consultations.
The following list of questions should be addressed during this dialogue:
How aware are ordinary people of globalization? What are the most important values and human goals that should guide the process of globalization?
Will the country gain or lose from being more integrated in the global system (e.g. through trade and investment flows, communication and technology) ?
What impact will globalization have on people’s work and lives? How can the benefits of globalization reach more people?
Vice Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Ms. V. Matvienko addressed the audience with the following words: “General task formulated at the biggest international forums commemorating the beginning of the new millennium is to turn globalisation into the locomotive of the social and economic progress, make its benefits accessible for all the states.
Russia considers that the United Nations and the International Labour Organization should become the key element to achieve this aim. We have always been advocating the increased role and the enforcement of the authority of the UN and the ILO in the XXI century including the sphere of international social and economic cooperation. We are sure that the issues of social development will remain on the agenda list of priority themes of the above mentioned international organizations.”
The social dimension of globalization embraces the impact of globalization on the life and work of people, on their families, and their societies.
Concerns and issues are often raised about the impact of globalization on employment, working conditions, income and social protection. Beyond the world of work, the social dimension encompasses security, culture and identity, inclusion or exclusion and the cohesiveness of families and communities. A balanced view is needed to highlight both positive and negative impacts.
Something, so complex as globalization, cannot be analyzed by any single institution. Solving global issues requires global efforts and involvement of global institutions through participatory approaches bringing together all stakeholders. With its unique tripartite structure and experience the ILO is best placed to address these issues.
To reduce inequality between and within countries and ensure that global economy benefits reach working people and their families the ILO took a multilateral initiative and in November 2001, ILO established the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization. The Commission has 25 members and is Co-Chaired by President Tarja Halonen of Finland and President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania. The Commission was established to respond to the needs of people as they cope with the unprecedented changes which globalization has brought to their lives, their families, and to the societies in which they live.
The Commission will address the social implications of globalization and involves all the organizations dealing with international aspects of economic and social policy. Russia’s vice-prime minister Ms. Matvienko is a member of the commission. The Commission began its work in early 2002 and is expected to issue its final Report by the end of 2003.
The Commission will examine ways in which international organizations can contribute to a more inclusive globalization process that is acceptable for all and will formulate concrete actions to guide and shape the process of globalization. Analyze the impact of globalization on employment, decent work, poverty reduction, economic growth and development.
Russia has been identified to be among the first countries where the World Commission on Social Dimensions of Globalization will pilot a series of Round Table Discussions on Social Dimensions of Globalization. It has been agreed that jointly with the Ministry of Economic Affairs the ILO will organize and launch series of Round Table Consultative Discussions on key issues of Social Consequences of Globalization in Moscow aiming to understand the anticipated benefits and apprehensions for Russia and identify measures and changes required to ensure the "human face" of the globalization.
In view of the complexity of the phenomenon of social globalization there is a long list of topics to be discussed during national consultations. The ILO constituents are finalizing the list of topics to be discussed within the framework during a series of the Round Table consultations.
The following list of questions should be addressed during this dialogue:
How aware are ordinary people of globalization? What are the most important values and human goals that should guide the process of globalization?
Will the country gain or lose from being more integrated in the global system (e.g. through trade and investment flows, communication and technology) ?
What impact will globalization have on people’s work and lives? How can the benefits of globalization reach more people?
Vice Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Ms. V. Matvienko addressed the audience with the following words: “General task formulated at the biggest international forums commemorating the beginning of the new millennium is to turn globalisation into the locomotive of the social and economic progress, make its benefits accessible for all the states.
Russia considers that the United Nations and the International Labour Organization should become the key element to achieve this aim. We have always been advocating the increased role and the enforcement of the authority of the UN and the ILO in the XXI century including the sphere of international social and economic cooperation. We are sure that the issues of social development will remain on the agenda list of priority themes of the above mentioned international organizations.”