23 March 2015: Amina Mohammed, UN Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning, and Faruk Celik, Minister of Work and Social Security, Turkey, discussed the post-2015 development agenda and the Group of 20 (G20) priorities during a high-level segment of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Governing Body. The discussion addressed, inter alia: the importance of decent work for all; a UN fit for purpose; and next steps in implementing the post-2015 agenda.

Negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda have brought wide recognition that decent work for all is instrumental to ensure a transformative development process, said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder in opening remarks to the Segment. Ryder also described ILO’s process to ensure that its programs and budget are “fit for purpose” to implement the new development agenda beginning on 1 January 2016.

Labor issues are about shared prosperity and ensuring inclusive, sustainable growth, as well as ensuring decent employment, social protection and access to financial services, Mohammed reflected in her remarks. She described a UN fit for purpose as one that is relevant, innovative, agile and ready to respond to different country needs. Mohammed added that a data revolution is critical to support accountability, explaining such a revolution “will be the lifeblood of decision-making at all levels.” She called for better collection of data; collaboration with big data to take advantage of technology and real time feedback on needed investments; and disaggregated data analysis to ensure reforms reach the most vulnerable.

Mohammed concluded by emphasizing 2015 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to agree on transformative means of financing, an ambitious agenda on poverty eradication and sustainable development, and meaningful action on climate change. She further emphasized that these decisions will need to be translated at the country level, underscoring the role of finance ministers and parliaments in implementing these agendas.

Celik said a focus on decent jobs and employment in the post-2015 development agenda is critical, noting that better jobs are one of the top three priorities of citizens around the world, as reflected in the MY World survey. He highlighted three priorities set by Turkey in its role as the G20 President: inclusiveness; implementation; and innovation. He also stressed investment as an “absolute must” for growth, and recalled that the G20 has set targets on jobs and social protection, such as a target on decreasing the gap between the number of men and women employed in the labor force by 2025.

Celik also said the G20 will host a joint meeting with Ministries of Finance and Labor in September 2015 to discuss common issues and synergies.

The 323rd Session of the ILO Governing Body is convening from 12-27 March 2015, in Geneva, Switzerland. [Video from High-level Segment] [Governing Body Session Webpage]