TOESPRAAK DOOR KRIS PEETERS VICE-EERSTE MINISTER EN MINISTER VAN WERK, ECONOMIE, CONSUMENTENZAKEN, BELAST MET BUITENLANDSE HANDEL

Transcription

1 Vice-Eerste Minister en Minister van Werk, Economie en Consumenten, Belast met Buitenlandse Handel Vice-Premier Ministre et Ministre de l Emploi, de l Economie et des Consommateurs, Chargé du Commerce Extérieur TOESPRAAK DOOR KRIS PEETERS VICE-EERSTE MINISTER EN MINISTER VAN WERK, ECONOMIE, CONSUMENTENZAKEN, BELAST MET BUITENLANDSE HANDEL 105 th Session of the International Labour Conference Work in a changing climate The Green initiative Ladies and Gentlemen, 6 juni 2017 Investing in a sustainable economy, is investing in the future. It is our profound duty to stimulate this transition. It s the choice we have to embrace if we want to be able look the following generations in the eye when we pass on our planet to them. Not just from an ecological but also from an economic perspective. Indeed, the transition towards a sustainable economy is not contrary to the goal of numerous and decent jobs. 1

2 Belgium fully supports the EU2020 target of 75% employment rate as well as the Paris Agreement objective to limit worldwide temperature increase to 2 degrees. It is not a question of choosing one above the other. It is a question of how we can ensure that they other welcome the reinforce each in the most effective way. We therefore in a changing climate Director-General s report on Work the green initiative and we thank you for your focus on this issue. Ladies and gentlemen, There are three key challenges we have to tackle if we want to boost green growth and jobs: 1) The development of new skills; 2) Modernizing and extending social protection; 3) International cooperation. The development of new skills is of crucial importance to give people opportunities in a new economic environment. 2

3 Last year, I ordered the Belgian High Council for Work to develop a strategy on the digitalization of the world of work. They concluded that about 39% of the jobs in Belgium have a risk of disappearing due to digitalization. But more importantly, their report also showed that soft skills and digital skills are essential in the new jobs being created. I am convinced the same is true for green jobs. Developing new skills needs to be at the heart of our transition policy. This is why Belgium has recently adopted a legal ambition to offer every worker 5 days of training per year. And this is why we welcome the DG s plea for a full-fledged ILO programme on Skills for Green Jobs and Just Transition. Secondly, I welcome the link the report makes between the transition to a sustainable economy and the development of social protection. The pace at which the transition to new jobs and skills is possible, depends on the level and quality of social protection. Social protection gives workers the necessary lifeline they need before they dare to seek a new professional future. 3

4 Social protection should therefore be made smarter. We have to enhance the tools for workers to modernize their skills. Moreover, for companies, it should become more attractive to use those tools in a productive and sustainable manner. Thirdly, no single country is able to answer the climate problems on its own, and no single country may be allowed to block these efforts. Likewise, the transition needed in the world of work cannot be tackled by one country alone. I therefore welcome the initiatives the ILO is taking to cooperate with a multitude of international organizations and to develop innovative initiatives like the Partnership for Action on the Green Economy (PAGE). These challenges have to be tackled if we want to succeed. But in order to do that, two essential conditions have to be fulfilled. First of all, the active participation of social partners is key. 4

5 Social partners are best placed to define the necessary skills to realize this transition and to develop strategies that enhance the skills of workers worldwide. Social dialogue and negotiations are key to contribute to the realization of the transition. Social partners are also best placed to determine the needs of social protection in a given country or region. Social partners have to get a role in defining the Nationally Determined Contributions. The second condition to answer all these challenges, is that the needs are clearly outlined. We need qualitative international data. This is why I fully support that the focus of the World Employment and Social Outlook will be on the quantity and quality of green jobs. I do hope this will not be limited to a mere analysis, but that it will also provide us with best practices and innovative ideas. This is how we can deliver on the combined goals of job development, upward social convergence and a sustainable and less carbon intensive economy. 5

6 Let me end by congratulating DG Ryder with the renewal of his mandate as DG of this organisation. Last October, the Director General received large support from the members. This is very important and a clear expression of the trust we put in you. The future of work debate and the other ILO s centenary initiatives are in good hands. Thanks to your renewed mandate we can continue working in order to achieve for the next decades an ambitious roadmap for the ILO as the leading social justice organisation of the UN. Mr. Ryder, also during your new mandate the ILO can count on my country. Thank you. 6