19 November 2008: In an address to the 303rd Session of the
Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) taking place in
Geneva, Switzerland, from 6-21 November 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
explained that, while in Washington DC, US, for the G-20 summit, he had
stressed that the crisis is an opportunity to promote green economic
development.

He emphasized that, by investing in renewable sources of energy,
States can improve their energy security and spur economic development at the
same time. He called for the emerging “green economy” to be “an important part
of any stimulus plan arising from the current situation.”
Ban underlined that
the solution to the financial crisis should also include a focus on
labor-intensive projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help
communities adapt to global warming. He underscored that the transition to a
low-carbon economy can create millions of jobs and noted that in the Final
Declaration adopted by the Summit, leaders committed to address critical
challenges such as energy and food security, the rule of law, and the fight
against terrorism, poverty and disease.
Ban expressed his conviction that the
ILO “has a major role to play” in this ambitious agenda, stressing the need for
the UN to fulfill its promise to “Deliver as One” and coordinate its efforts. [UN Press
Release] [ILO’s
Governing Body’s Website]