Speech by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen at a seminar marking the 90th anniversary of the ILO at Finlandia Hall on 15 September 2009

The ILO was established after the First World War as part of the League of Nations system. Improving working conditions and achieving social justice were viewed as essential in repairing the devastation of war, building peace and increasing the stability of societies.

As one of the oldest organizations, the ILO has significantly influenced the content of international cooperation. The work by the United Nations and other international organizations on behalf of human rights and fundamental freedoms is based largely on the objectives already adopted by the ILO - respect for humanity and promoting justice and welfare.

From the start, the ILO's activities have been based on the modern idea of cooperation among governments, workers and employers both nationally and internationally. With the UN reform still requiring more time, it is worth considering how the experience that has been gained with the ILO's participation model can be applied to expand its support base.

The International Labour Organization has changed the world in a very positive way over the decades. Many challenges remain, and the rules in working life are under new pressures with globalization. I personally believe that achieving lasting solutions in the modern world will continue to require a tripartite approach in future.

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Finland joined the ILO already in 1920. Membership has been of great benefit to us in developing our labour legislation and labour market as well as in building a just society.

Important international agreements have also been prepared within the framework of the ILO. I have called for Finland finally to ratify ILO Convention 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, which would help us to improve the living conditions of Sami people in our country. I hope that the Government can agree on ratification during this electoral term.

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Globalization is much more than integrating economic life. The ILO has emphasized that greater attention should be paid to the social dimension of globalization. A report on the social dimension of globalization, prepared in 2004, warned about weaknesses in the international financial architecture and presented recommendations aimed at promoting a fairer globalization. This report was drafted and unanimously approved by a world commission in which the ILO's members were broadly represented, on a tripartite basis, although this is not always mentioned in Finnish debate.

The ILO's recommendations are very timely in the current situation. The international financial system must function openly and securely. Irresponsible behaviour and outright malpractice cannot be allowed to continue and throw the global economy and employment into crisis. Globalization is not a force of nature; we can change its course.

Today's globalization is the result of a long chain of development. Internationalization has always opened new doors but has also led to development that, later on, has borne criticism or even history's condemnation. The challenge now is to see the problems of globalization whose solutions will also affect coming generations. We cannot shut our eyes; we know what harm can come of that. The knowledge is there, let's hope that there is also wisdom and courage for actions that turn out right tomorrow as well.

The dream of millions of people around the world is to have decent work so that they can support themselves and their families. The Global Jobs Pact that was signed at the ILO Summit in June is intended to meet the immediate needs of workers, families and businesses. Its recommendations should be given serious thought in Finland, too.

The "plates" of the world economy are already in motion. At the same time, the necessity of sustainable development is increasingly self-evident. Negotiations for a new climate agreement are on the final stretch. The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December will agree on measures in which both the industrialized and developing countries will participate. Mitigating climate change, handling the financial crisis, strengthening employment and eliminating poverty are not alternative, conflicting objectives, but belong together. They are part of sustainable development.

We need green recovery strategies that will spur innovations and lead to breakthroughs in environmentally friendly technologies. These strategies can reduce the threat of unemployment and create new jobs effectively and give the poor people of the world a chance for a better life.

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In congratulating the ILO on its 90th anniversary, I also wish to thank Finland's ILO Advisory Board and the organizations it represents for your efforts to reform working life and society.