Social assistance for the poor is similarly meagre and of limited coverage. To simply liberalize and privatize is not enough. And it bears repeating that it is shortsighted and perilous to neglect the development of strong social institutions and policy. The ILO has devoted considerable efforts in recent years towards promoting universal observance of core labour standards. These cover the right to freedom from forced labour and discrimination, the right to organize and to bargain collectively and the elimination of child labour.
None is more relevant in the present context than the principle of freedom of association.
I therefore call upon you to expand the concept of global economic partnership to include promotion of democracy and social justice. The ILO will be a willing participant in this effort.