DUSHANBE, December 12, 2012, Collective international action is needed for economic recovery, International labor Organization (ILO) Director-General, Guy Ryder, noted at landmark ILO-Russia Decent Work conference in Moscow on December 11.

“The challenge facing the G20 is to build a programme of action for growth and jobs to which each country is committed because it meets a domestic priority, and which also contributes to collective international action that sets off a virtuous circle of recovery,” ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said.

The two-day conference that concluded on December 12 reportedly brought together some 900 high-level representatives from 80 countries.

Among other issues, the conference discussed the impact of globalization on labor markets and labor standards.

Noting that Russia is taking over the G20 Presidency, Ryder added: “I am absolutely convinced that Russia will play a key role in pursuing the progress accomplished by previous G20 Presidencies and fully take on board the labor and employment policies that are an essential part of the response to economic crisis.”

“Together, here in Moscow, we can send out very important messages: that whatever the difficulties, the ILO stays firm in its commitment to social justice and to decent work.  Because it is precisely these values, unchanging, which show us the way out of this crisis as they have out of past crises.” 

The ILO Director-General reminded delegates of the current crisis seriously affecting Europe, and its social model.  He welcomed the opportunity given by the Conference to discuss “how to limit the contagion effects of a highly endangered Social Model for development”.

The conference – organized by the Russian government with support from the ILO – marked a new and strategic era of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the organization.  Both sides have also signed a series of agreements aimed at further promoting decent work, helping developing countries improve the delivery of skills for employment, and youth employment.