Secretary-General Urges Fair Globalization That Creates Decent Jobs, Opportunities for All, in Message to International Trade Union Confederation’s World Congress

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the fourth World Congress of the International Trade Union Confederation, being held in Copenhagen, from 2 to 7 December:

I am pleased to greet the International Trade Union Confederation as you mark the 150th anniversary of the trade union movement.  Thank you for working in solidarity, across so many decades for social justice, women’s empowerment and human dignity.

As we look ahead, our world faces big threats, from conflict to climate change to growing inequality.  Technological advances are creating extraordinary opportunities for common progress.  But they also bring challenges, including disruptions in labour markets.

We need safeguards ‑ and we need to build a fair globalization that creates decent jobs and opportunities for all.  As we face these tests, I know the trade union movement will remain where you always have been   on the front lines for resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.

The United Nations, including the International Labour Organization, looks forward to deepening our partnership to build a better world for all.  Thank you.