Chair,
We welcome the opportunity to discuss the zero draft of the Political Declaration of the World Social Summit, and would like to thank the Co-facs Belgium and Morocco for a substantive and well-crafted draft. The Summit represents an opportunity to accelerate our collective efforts to combat poverty and inequality.
I would like to highlight five points;
First, Norway reaffirms our commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We therefore appreciate that the political declaration is firmly based on human rights, with a strong focus on gender equality and women’s rights.
We also welcome that the political declaration is action-oriented and upholds the central role of international labour standards, as well as the importance of ensuring adequate income and decent employment opportunities for all.
Second, we would appreciate a stronger emphasis on social dialogue, as a powerful and efficient mechanism to ensure sustainable development and to prevent and solve conflicts.
Social dialogue has been crucial to create a regulated and well-organized society where rights are secured. Collaboration builds trust between workers’ organizations, employers’ organizations and the government. It contributes to information sharing, fosters ownership, and commits the parties involved.
Third, we welcome the strong language on social inclusion, with the aim of fighting inequality and ensuring that no one is left behind.
We would however emphasize that marginalized and vulnerable groups such as LGBT+ persons, and people with disabilities should be mentioned specifically. Without equitable social and economic development for all, the Sustainable Development Goals will not be reached.
Fourth, we would welcome more language on governance-reform as prerequisites for ensuring both effective national resource mobilization, and efficient and equitable use of national resources.
Good governance is crucial also for attracting private sector investment that creates jobs. Fair and effective taxation, preventing and combatting corruption and illicit financial flows, are key factors for economic growth and development.
Finally, Norway supports the key messages of the tripartite input from ILO to the summit. A regulated and well-organized world of work where rights are secured is key in the fight against inequality. This must be at the core of the Second World Summit for Social Development.
Thank you.