ECOSOC focuses on global work force

Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 24th Jan. UN Economic and Social Council on Tuesday opened a special meeting on rapid transformation of the world of work is the focus in Santiago, Chile.

The factors such as emerging technologies, globalization and demographic trends offer exciting opportunities for enhanced productivity and innovation also present challenges both for workers and policymakers, the meeting discussed

ECOSOC President Paula Narváez in her opening remarks stressed how decent work, job creation, social protection, workers’ rights, and social dialogue are crucial for sustainable development.

She appealed for increased investment to create more decent jobs.

“Greater cooperation, additional international financing, and technical assistance can complement national resources to expand decent work and access to social protection. A coordinated effort is needed to counter informality and create policies that require living wages, secure contracts, and good working conditions,” she said.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said in a video message to the meeting that making the future of work one of opportunity is not automatic.

She warned that “the needle will not move in the direction of our ambitions” unless countries keep the promise to leave no one behind.

“This means acting on the stubbornly high rates of youth unemployment; on the persistent gender disparities in wages, labour market participation and access to social protection,” she said.

She added that “unregulated digitalization” is also a driver of inequalities.

“When properly harnessed, digital tools can accelerate job creation and help expand social protection, as seen in many countries during COVID-19 a time when we also came to realize the value of cultivating caring societies,” she said.

Two two-day special meeting is being held at the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

It will feature plenary sessions, interactive roundtable discussions, and a side event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of both ECLAC and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and a special celebration of the legacy of Chilean lawyer and diplomat Hernán Santa Cruz, one of the original drafters of the Declaration.

 

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