Decent Work Conference

5 September 2008 | Hotel Bristol | Oslo

One of the most important consequences of globalisation is the integration and interdependence of national and regional labour markets at radically different stages of development. This has created great new opportunities, but also new challenges - for governments, workers and employers alike.

The International Labour Organization has been at the forefront of addressing the social dimension of globalisation, not least by developing its Decent Work Agenda  with its four pillars of employment creation, workers rights, social dialogue and social protection. The Norwegian government supports the ILO's Decent Work Agenda, including efforts to promote better coherence in global economic governance.

The Decent Work Conference is the result of a partnership between the Financial Times and the Norwegian Government, in cooperation with The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise.

The aim of the conference is to address the complexities of a globalising labour market and to
contribute to the international debate on how coherent support for the ILOs Decent Work Agenda can help improve economic governance, and promote full employment and decent working conditions around the world.

The conference will be attended by senior decision makers from both the public and private sectors: business leaders, international government representations, trade unions, employers organisations, academia and - through media - the public at large.

Speakers include:

  • Mr Juan Somavia, Director General, International Labour Organization
  • Mr Pascal Lamy, Director General, World Trade Organization
  • Mrs Mary Robinson, President, Realizing Rights: Ethical Globalization Initiative
  • Mr Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway
  • Mr Richard Samans, Managing Director, World Economic Forum
  • Ms Lakshmi Bhatia, Director - Global Partnerships, Social Responsibility, Gap Inc.

Moderator:

  • Mr Quentin Peel, International Affairs Editor, Financial Times