President Tarja Halonen at the ILO Summit: Strong support for Global Jobs Pact

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen expressed her satisfaction and support for the International Labour Organization's Global Jobs Pact, which responds to the immediate needs of workers, families and enterprises. "It is important that governments and social partners work closely together in implementing the initiative," President Halonen said in her address at the ILO Summit on the Global Jobs Crisis on Monday, 15 June 2009. "We must find ways to modernize the international financial system, so that it meets the necessary criteria for safety and transparency," President Halonen asserted. "To put it simply, we must promote a fairer globalization, which focuses more on people and responds to the needs of workers for decent employment."

President Tarja Halonen at the ILO Summit on the Global Jobs Crisis.

President Halonen attended the ILO Summit on the Global Jobs Crisis in Geneva on 15 June 2009. ILO Director-General Juan Somavia welcomed President Halonen back and thanked her for serving as co-chair of the ILO World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization. The principles of fair globalization and decent work that were embraced by the commission have been broadly accepted.

"The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation from last year is a clear commitment to make decent work a reality for all people. The solution to the current crisis should fully respect this commitment," President Halonen noted.

In her address President Halonen emphasized the significance of education as an investment in the future and as part of the Nordic welfare society. She also emphasized green recovery strategies and the importance of involving women in the combat against climate change. Solutions will not be easy, but postponing things will not help. "I trust in you," President Halonen concluded.

During her stay in Geneva on Monday, President Halonen met with the Finnish delegation to the ILO Summit and held bilateral talks with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka of Kenya and Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, the Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Vice President Musyoka drew attention to the importance of reforestation for his country and expressed interest in developing an action plan together with Finland to improve the position of women and girls in post-conflict situations.

Speech at the ILO Summit on the Global Jobs Crisis

International Labour Organization ILO