NEW YORK, APRIL 11 – Marking ILO’S 100th anniversary, Italy, as one of the 9 drafters of the oldest UN organization Constitution and proud host of its International Training Centre, reaffirmed today its steadfast support for ILO’s role towards achieving SDG 8 globally.
“Adapting to a changing world while keeping a strong rights-based approach. Inclusivity and people-centred policies are priorities for Italy for eradicating poverty and social marginalization through pro-employment and social protection measures. Reducing gender pay gaping advance gender equality in workplace is another pillar of our action at ILO”, the Italian permanent Representative Mariangela Zappia said today during a two-day high-level General Assembly meeting on “The Future of Work”.
The meeting was opened by Secretary-General António Guterres: “The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been a trusted voice to ensure social justice in every corner of our world”, Guterres said on Wednesday, opening the meeting convened to commemorate the centenary of what was the first ever United Nations agency. ILO was born out of the rubble of the First World War, as the victors met to draw up the Treaty of Versailles, where they affirmed the need for social justice in the service of a “universal and lasting peace”, said the Secretary General. According to Guterres, despite being the oldest UN family member, “ILO remains to this day one of the most unique gathering spaces in the international system”, as well as “a source of strength and legitimacy”, where workers, employers and governments can seek solutions through dialogue.
“Through conflict and peace, democracy and dictatorship, decolonization and the Cold War, globalization and turbulence”, Mr. Guterres said that ILO has had its “finger on the pulse on people’s concerns”, and “played a central role in the struggle for social progress”.
General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa commended ILO for its many “firsts”, including “the need to give workers a stake in decision-making that matches their essential contribution to lasting peace and prosperity”. So, “it is fitting that the General Assembly – the most representative body of the United Nations – celebrates the transformative impact of the ILO on the fabric of our societies, and on our daily lives” she said. (@OnuItalia)
