Speech by President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen at the ILO High-Level Forum “Working Out of Poverty: A Decent Work Approach to Development and the MDGs” in New York, 22 September 2008

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It is a great pleasure to be here today. The decent work agenda is also my agenda and it is universally shared by world leaders. And all of you present at this meeting have worked hard to make decent work a global goal and a tool for sustainable development. A tool to fight against poverty and exclusion, to stimulate economic progress, and to enable people earn their living through work.

I have been able to witness many steps whereby the ideas that we discussed few years ago have evolved in the international arena. The ILO World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization laid a ground for a fair globalization and its vision has become integrated into the mainstream dialogue. Fair globalisation is an issue for all of us.

Many of the issues that the World Commission identified still need to be tackled and new questions arise almost daily. The world is never ready as we say. On the other hand, there is more understanding of the nature of globalisation and its effects. Notably, the key international organisations have shaped their work to respond to the needs of their members.

Our vision was to put people first. To promote a fair globalization with a social dimension which sustains human values and the well-being of people, in terms of freedom, prosperity and security.

The social dimension includes:
- universally shared values and all actors assuming their responsibilities;
- a basic commitment to ensure the human rights, the eradication of poverty and the attainment of the MDGs;
- a sustainable path of development and a greater coherence between economic, social and environmental policies;
- democratic governance and the rule of law.

We said in 2004: "this is a realizable vision". Now, in 2008, we are all here together, from all walks of life, discussing what concrete action is being taken and what is required to accomplish more.

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Much has been achieved: in political declarations, decisions and actions, in different regions of the world. For instance, the European Union wants to deliver economic and social policies to respond to the new global environment, to be competitive and to guarantee the welfare of the citizens. Our strategy is based on the global reach and a shared responsibility.

Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon. It can be tackled only through measures that address the full range of its root causes and consequences. The development goals and strategies need to be geared towards an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable path of development.

The decent work concept and agenda provide a framework for generating more and better jobs. The employment impact should be part of the assessment of development outcomes.

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The social protection pillar is an integral part of the decent work agenda. Social security is a human right (contained in article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), and the extension of its coverage is an important part of the ILO’s mandate. The launching of the Social Security Campaign is a good example to combat poverty and social exclusion. It has been frequently argued that social security systems cannot be afforded by poor countries. However, recent analysis and factual evidence in low and middle income countries put this argument in doubt. Let me elaborate on this a bit further.

Social protection is a great asset in the fight against poverty. Industrialized countries have used social protection as a means to improve human security and well-being as well as economic and social progress. The same can be confirmed in countries in a less advanced economic situation. Social security and related services enable the poor to engage themselves in productive work and economic activities. This, in turn, facilitates mobility and economic growth. Social protection is not merely a cost but, rather, it should be seen as a long-term investment in human and socially sustainable development, cohesion and stability.

Enhancement of social protection - including education, basic health and social services such as child care and preschool facilities - is fundamental for gender equality. Finland has gained a long experience in this and we are keen to share our practical examples.

Expansion of social protection systems could be used more effectively for reaching the MDG targets. Better social protection ensures a more equal access to and distribution of resources. It supports the formation of human capital through education and health care. Furthermore, it consolidates the social contract between the citizens and state and to build up social cohesion and stability.

The decent work agenda brings together key elements that empower the poor and marginalized groups to have a share and a voice in national development. All segments of the society can benefit from the decent work approach. Ensuring decent work contributes to a more stable and predictable business and investment climate and the building of wide coalitions for development that involve all stakeholders.

Decent work as a common goal has the potential to promote sustainable development and fair globalisation. The recently adopted ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation could serve as a stepping stone in all countries to achieve concrete progress in making decent work a reality for all. But the work has to start at home, in each country, within each organisation and domain.

Let us take this message to the wider UN audience. Let us share our experience in implementing the decent work goal, from visions to actions.