Youth Engagement Key for the Success of the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Achievement of a Just Transition for All, says ILO Assistant Director-General for Corporate Services
Youth Engagement Key for the Success of the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the Achievement of a Just Transition for All, says ILO Assistant Director-General for Corporate Services
02 August 2023
On Friday 28 July, the ILO Assistant Director-General for Corporate Services (ADG/CS) Mr. HAO Bin called upon aspiring international civil servants to engage with the work of the ILO by paying close attention to the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the objectives of a just transition for all.
The ADG/CS addressed the joint student cohorts of the Rongchang Scholars Training Seminars and Young Leaders Boot Camp at the ITC-ILO in Turin, Italy, on the occasion of a fireside chat with the Director of Training of the ITC-ILO, Mr. Andreas Klemmer. Both residential programmes support undegraduate, graduate students and young professionals with international competency training for careers in the United Nations system and across other International Organizations.
Under the overarching theme of ‘The ILO’s Role in Global Governance: Opportunities and Challenges Since its Centenary Celebrations’, the fireside chat constituted an opportunity for the ADG/CS to share his views on potential challenges the ILO may be facing in carrying out its mandate. ‘In the words of the ILO Director-General, the world is currently facing four main challenges: persistent injustices, inequalities, insecurities and instability – the “4 Is”’, Mr. Hao noted. ‘Today, 600 million people live in absolute poverty globally. Economic disparities, lack of access to education and health services, discrimination, and inadequate social protection systems are some of the factors that contribute to persistent poverty and social injustice worldwide’, said Hao, adding that social justice is in danger ‘locally, nationally and globally’.
A number of ILO-led initiatives point in the direction of hopeful outcomes.
Among efforts aimed at solving what he referred to as the ‘4 Is’, Mr. Hao mentioned the Global Coalition for Social Justice: a strategy ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo presented to ILO constituents upon taking office. Mr. Hao added: ‘During the latest International Labour Conference (ILC), 16 heads of State supported the Coalition.
The ILO is working closely with constituents and their social partners for this strategy to succeed’.
Further, Mr. Hao underscored the importance of the ILO’s mandate for social justice and a human-centred approach to the future of work as key to a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all. ‘A just transition is about global climate change; yet, it bears important implications not only for the world of work but also for the economy at large’, he said.
In closing of the fireside chat, Mr. Hao shared personal reflections on how aspiring international civil servants can leave a mark in the world as responsible, inclusive, transformative leaders that act as agents for positive change.
- First, he mentioned having a heart and a sense of justice to lead with humanity. Working for international organizations means to first and foremost respect the dignity and recognize the humanity of “those we are called to serve”.
- Second, love for the profession. Finding enjoyment in day-to-day work plays an important role in enabling international civil servants to overcome any challenge they may encounter.
- As a third lesson, he mentioned developing and mastering one’s own work methodology. Indeed, knowing how to work best individually supports international officers in becoming effective team players and find joint solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
- Lastly, try to foster mental and physical wellbeing and fitness. Mr. Hao shared his view with students on how making health-conscious life choices may enable people to work at the best of their abilities in any context they may inhabit.
Overall, the fireside chat organized at the Turin Centre allowed students to directly learn from ILO Mr. Hao about the ILO mandate, its focus on advancing opportunities for young women and men to obtain decent and productive work, and key outcomes of the latest ILC. In closing of the fireside chat, an audience Q&A further enabled participants to explore what lies at the heart of the work of Mr. Hao and that of ILO officials, operating worldwide for the promotion of social justice through decent work.
