To "put a human face on the global economy" has long been the hope of Juan Somavia, Director General of the International Labor Organization. At the 2008 International Forum on Economic Globalization and Trade Unions held in Beijing on January 7-8, Somavia reiterated the concept of decent work.

The forum focused on the challenges of globalization to workers' rights in developing countries. At the invitation of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, more than 60 union leaders from Europe, Latin America and Africa attended the forum. At the forum, union leaders discussed "decent work" for all, especially under-represented groups.

Somavia interpreted the four strategic objectives of decent work as fundamental principles and rights at work; employment and income; social protection and social security; and social dialogue between the government, workers and employers. Principles and rights at work pertain to the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

Data from the International Labor Organization show that in 2006, the total number of unemployed people worldwide hit 195 million. In the same year, the number of people living on less than $2 a day increased to 1.37 billion, among whom 522 million lived on less than $1 a day. Two thirds of those living on less than $1 a day resided in developing countries in Asia.

Sustainable development

"Decent work for all is the priority of our time, and is important for respecting and protecting human rights," Chinese President Hu Jintao remarked at the opening ceremony of the international forum. He pointed out that to provide decent work for all, especially to those in developing countries, globalization should be balanced and mutually beneficial.

Wang Zhaoguo, Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, said that the opportunities created by economic development varied across regions, so labor unions in different countries should work together to protect the legal rights of workers so that the benefits of development would be shared. "Decent work is the precondition for sustainable development," said Sun Chunlan, Vice Chairwoman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

To rise to the challenges of globalization, at the forum, union leaders from several countries called on workers to organize themselves. Professor Liu Yuanwen, Associate Dean of the Department of Labor Unions at the China Institute of Industrial Relations, said, "Workers should set up labor unions or select their own representatives."

According to Liu, the concept of decent work has been around for about nine years, although it is relatively new in China. Similar ideas have been advocated in China, such as the government's policy to improve the quality of employment. "In fact, China has already put the ideas of decent work into action," explained Liu.