The second will explore the means available to implement policies for decent work in the context of globalization and social change. These components reinforce each other. Thus, there can be no decent work without work and employment creation through enterprise development and investment promotion. Decent work refers both to the quality as well as the quantity of work. Respect for fundamental principles and rights is an essential precondition for social dialogue.
Social protection is the means to provide security of income and a safe working environment.
But we know little about the precise causal relationships involved, and the way in which these relationships are affected by levels of development and by the existing institutional structures. Furthermore, the nature of macroeconomic and other public policies have a direct bearing on the achievement of decent work. In turn, public policies to promote decent work need to be set in an increasingly integrated world economy, and global financial and development architectures also have a major role to play in determining the outcome of decent work. These considerations point to complex research areas which need to be explored. One important aspect of this is research on the channels by which ILO labour standards can contribute to decent work and a high road of economic development.