Intervention by ASPAG
323rd Session of Governing Body, Geneva,
12th March to 27th March, 2015
GB.323/PFA/1
Programme, Financial and Administrative Section
Programme and Budget Proposals for 2016-17
Chairman
1. At the outset ASPAG presents its compliments to the Director General and ILO for this elaborate Programme and Budget Proposal. We note that the strategic plan is transitional and applies for period 2016-17 and later ILO will adopt a four year planning cycle commencing from 2018 as per UN General Assembly decision. In the discussions during previous GB meetings too, ASPAG appreciated the proposed ten policy outcomes which outline the major challenges in order to improve the conditions of labour. We also note the cross cutting strategies related to international labour standard, social dialogue, gender equality & non-discrimination and end of poverty. We note with appreciation that very focussed indicators in terms of outcome and targets have been identified . Moreover these indicators very effectively take the regional and national contexts into consideration which makes them desirable for both ILO as well as the members.
2. Most of the issues raised in policy outcomes may remain prevalent beyond 2018 and even could be required to continue in the forthcoming four year planning cycle. This may be looked into with future perspective as those could figure in Post 2015 Sustainable Development Goal. There should be linkages or partnership in the multilateral institutions such as G20 for post-2015 development agenda with regard to promoting youth employment and skill development in line with the labour and employment policies in national context and all the indicators may be designed at the national level.
3. ASPAG welcomes the focus on Wage growth and rising inequality in outcome number 1. Declining share of Labour Income is a challenge that needs our immediate attention not only for the direct welfare of the worker but also to ensure that aggregate demand arising out of consumption does not decline. It is heartening fact as per the Global Wage Report that over the past two year, wage growth in Asia and the Pacific continues to outperform most of the world. Wages in Asia and Pacific have risen almost two and a half fold since the beginning of the century. However, the income inequalities have increased across the globe. Job creation and particularly youth employment are important focus areas. Addressing underemployment of the workforce is another major challenge in the Asian region. in areas of underemployment slower wage growth may help to maintain existing staffing levels. We appreciate for focus being given on the youth employment and small and medium enterprises interventions in the Asian region. The transition from informality to formality is also a huge challenge in this region. Read with the outcomes envisaged for Rural economy and sustainable enterprises this becomes extremely important for the majority of developing and less developed countries.
4. We welcome the focus on expanding local supply chain for promoting sustainable enterprises in this context. At the same time we would like to put a word of caution for intervention at global level including through multi-national enterprises which could lead to formation of non-tariff trade barriers. The partnership for transition to green economy must be implemented on the basis of Common but differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). As we focus on SME for job rich growth we recognise the importance of improving the productivity and the working conditions in the SMEs and the role of ILO as a guide and technical expert. We believe that ILO can work with national constituents to develop indigenous, country-owned tools which are based upon the country needs instead of having readymade tools.
5. We believe that in order to provide decent work for disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable rural population it is essential to frame baseline data regarding number of workers, the access to social security and protection from exploitation. Rural economies are foundation of supply chains and play a vital role in ensuring food security for population. ILO may provide country specific intervention in alleviating rural poverty. Rural economy across the world is also characterized by incidence of informality and underemployment. Another characteristic of rural economy is presence of women workforce in great proportions which needs to be mapped. Reducing gender gaps and improving female economic participation would lead to betterment of rural economy. Rural economic growth would translate into employment opportunities only when effective local job strategies are created. We would like to recall the discussions that are taking place on Forum of G20 about increasing female labour participation and skill development and ILO’s contribution to these deliberations in terms of quality research. We see the synergy in this Programme and Budget proposal with the ongoing deliberations at G20 as SDP2015.
6. On the matter of ratification and application international labour standards, we look forward to the expert advice and technical assistance of ILO to the member states who have requested for it. Country and Regional Offices can coordinate these efforts through DWCP Programs which not only are focused but also take care of the National Contexts. For promoting workplace compliance through labour inspection as envisaged in policy outcome No. 7, we support technical assistance and expert advice to be provided to member states on the development of appropriate legal and policy frameworks. Technology can play a big role in ensuring a transparent, accountable and effective compliance mechanism. Our interventions should promote sharing of best practices across the world.
7. ASPAG would like to acknowledge the increased resource allocation for the region. While We support transferring more resource from supporting functions to technical capacity, this process should not make compromise with the quality of service and morale of the related staff. We also request the Office to recruit experts from underrepresented countries for the newly created 39 technical positions. In this, ASPAG requests the Office to provide a roadmap for implementing the same. We appreciate the focus on strengthening the field offices. We also recognize the focus area identified for the region. However, we note that the resource allocation in terms of outcome for transition to formality for the region is very low given the extent of informality present in these economies. We would like office to review the same. ASPAG also acknowledges the importance of enhancing research, analytical and statistical capabilities of the office which has also been captured in the programme and budget document. ASPAG supports the same.
8. ASPAG notices the means on Advocacy of Decent Work proposed by the Office. We think that the Office should make fully use of the potential of information technology through the ILO public website. Bearing in mind that almost 26.3% of the world population have no access to the ILO public website due to language barrier, we propose that the Office develop website in the remaining three UN working language that is Arabic, Chinese and Russian.
Chair,
We look forward to the implementation of the policy outcomes in a cohesive manner.
Thank you.
