5 September 2008: Speaking at the international conference
on “Decent Work – A Key to Social Justice for a Fair Globalization,” held in
Oslo, Norway, on 5 September 2008, Juan Somavia, International Labour
Organization (ILO) Director-General, called for “increased policy coherence in
support of social justice for a fair globalization.”

The conference addressed
the complexities of a globalizing labor market and sought to contribute to the
international debate on how coherent support for the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda
can help improve economic governance and promote full employment and decent
working conditions around the world.
Somavia highlighted aspects of the policy
coherence challenge, including promoting “green jobs” in response to climate
change. Noting that heads of agencies have room for improvement, he also called
on national governments to carry out more convergent and coherent policies. [ILO
Press Release]