European Union Statement 

112th International Labour Conference

Strategic Dialogue with Co-Facilitators of the World Social Summit

Geneva, 7 June 2024

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

• We thank the Office for convening this important meeting.
• We especially commend the Co-Facilitators, H.E. Mr Philippe Kridelka and H.E. Mr Omar Hilale, the Permanent Representatives of Belgium and Morocco to the United Nations, for their availability for a very timely dialogue with the participants at the International Labour Conference.
• We are committed to reinforcing the social dimension of sustainable development. The World Social Summit offers an important opportunity for the world for rebuilding the social contract through a comprehensive approach based on human rights, social cohesion, solidarity and decent work.
• We consider that a renewed social contract should be anchored in human rights and the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and address major inequalities and transformative challenges in the world, such as those posed by the demographic, ecological and digital transitions.
• We expect the Summit will address the new challenges that have emerged since the Copenhagen summit and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
• We consider that the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Global Accelerator should play a crucial role in contributing to the objectives of the Summit and ensuring an effective follow-up.
• We would like to highlight the central role played by the ILO in promoting decent work for all. This unique, tripartite organisation was founded on the premise that universal and lasting peace can only be based on social justice, giving an equal voice to workers, employers and governments. Therefore, the World Social Summit preparations need to be closely coordinated with the ILO and its tripartite structure.
• We would like to take this opportunity to ask you three questions:
  1. What is your assessment of the way the discussions are going on in New York, especially regarding the leading role of the ILO and promoting decent work as well as the reference to the renewed social contract?
  2. What is your view of the steps the ILO has defined for its contribution to the Summit; do you think these are suitable to ensure a timely contribution to the discussion on the outcome document?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

EU Delegation to the UN