RIO DE JANEIRO (ILO News) – At the heart of the G20 Social Summit, a compelling dialogue unfolded about the transformative changes shaping the world of work. The International Labour Organization (ILO) took a leading role in the discussion, participating in a panel titled “No Work, No Future: Decent Work and Union Organization to Address Transformations in the World of Work,” organized by the Brazilian Unified Workers’ Central (Central Única dos Trabalhadores – CUT).
This critical debate brought together thought leaders and advocates, including ILO Deputy Director-General Celeste Drake and CUT’s Secretary of International Relations, Antônio Lisboa, who explored the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements, the fight for youth employment, and the global push for decent work for all.
Three Pillars for Navigating Transformations in Work
During her address, Celeste Drake emphasized three pivotal transitions essential to reshaping the global labour landscape:
Building Strong Labour Market Institutions
Drake underscored the necessity of empowering labour market structures to guarantee that workers receive a fair share of the value they generate. She pointed to tools such as minimum wages, robust labour inspections, and safeguarding workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining as critical mechanisms.
Harnessing Technology Through Tripartism and Social Dialogue
The integration of AI, robotics, and other innovations into the workplace holds great promise, but only if implemented equitably. “Tripartism and social dialogue are essential to ensure these technologies elevate workers while benefiting companies,” Drake stated, highlighting the need for collaboration between governments, workers, and employers to maximize mutual benefits.
Achieving a Just Transition to a Sustainable Future
Drake called attention to the urgency of a fair energy transition, one that fosters environmentally sustainable enterprises while ensuring equitable benefits for workers. Social dialogue is instrumental in navigating this transition to guarantee inclusivity and sustainability.
Watch Celeste Drake’s full address: ILO Deputy Director-General at G20 Social Summit.
Placing Work at the Core of Global Progress
Antônio Lisboa echoed these sentiments, pointing out that a fair energy transition and effective global governance hinge on valuing dignified, decent work. “When I speak of the value of work, it’s about dignified, decent work, where individuals, through their contributions, build the world we want. Today, work is being devalued,” Lisboa stressed.
The panel reiterated the importance of union organization in addressing inequalities and fostering a world where work is not just a means of survival but a platform for societal development and empowerment.
A Path Forward
As transformations continue to shape the world of work, the G20 Social Summit stands as a beacon of collaborative effort, inspiring solutions that ensure no one is left behind. The ILO and its partners reaffirm their commitment to championing decent work, fostering inclusivity, and advancing sustainability on a global scale.
Additional Information: ASCOM, CUT Brazil
