Speaker Details

Mr Juan Somavia
Director General, International Labour Organization

Juan Somavia, a national of Chile, has been Director General of the International Labour Organization since March 1999. From 1990-99, Mr Somavia was Chilean Permanent Representative to the UN, during which time he was actively engaged with civil society organisations. He proposed the 1995 World Summit for Social Development and chaired its Preparatory Committee. He was twice President of ECOSOC (1998-99, 1993-94), and of the Security Council (1996 and 1997), and chaired the board of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (1996-99).

Mr Somavia is the first representative of the southern hemisphere to head the ILO. Under his leadership, the Organization has established Decent Work as its primary goal. It is a restatement of the ILOs historic mission to promote social justice through the world of work. His multifaceted career has been driven by a strong concern for social justice, peace, human rights and democracy. His pursuit of these ideals has earned him several citations and awards.

 

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