PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE GA PRESIDENT MARÍA FERNANDA ESPINOSA AND THE ILO GENERAL DIRECTOR

The year 2019 represents an important milestone for the United Nations as its first specialized agency, the International Labour Organization (ILO), marks its one-hundredth anniversary.

The ILO was founded on the realization that clear rules were needed to ensure that economic progress went hand in hand with social justice, prosperity and peace for all. Such principles remain fundamental today as new forces driven by technological advancements, structural transformations, changing demographics, globalization and climate change rapidly reshape the world of work.

The future of work presents countless opportunities to reverse long-term decent work deficits, but it also presents serious challenges that could increase inequalities and joblessness if not well managed.

How well countries adapt to such changes will be a major determinant in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

As was the case in 1919 when the ILO was founded, decisive action is needed from all stakeholders in order to forge a positive development path that unlocks new opportunities for the future of work while mitigating growing inequalities and other uncertainties.

The onset of new technological advances – artificial intelligence, automation and robotics – are already creating vast opportunities for new jobs. Yet, those who lose their jobs as result of new technologies may be less equipped to seize new opportunities and may be added to the ranks of the long-term unemployed.

Global dependence on technology means that the skills in demand today will not match the jobs of tomorrow. Skills acquisition and lifelong learning will be required for workers to remain agile and employable.

The greening of economies holds the potential to create millions of new decent jobs as sustainable practices and clean technologies are adopted.

Coherent policies are needed to provide a just transition for workers as existing jobs, working methods and skills are redefined. Changes in demographics with growing youth populations in some parts of the world and ageing populations in others place pressures on labour markets and social security systems. Yet, demographic shifts also mean new possibilities to transform more inclusive societies.

Over the last decade, there has been a rise in part-time employment, especially among women and youth.

More information: https://www.un.org/pga/73/2019/04/05/100th-anniversary-of-the-establishment-of-the-international-labour-organization/

Watch the Joint Press Conference by the PGA, Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa and ILO Director General, Mr. Guy Ryder    https://bit.ly/2Z50Oas