Work Is Central For A Globalization Focused On Peoples' Needs
Mr President,
"An increasing internationalisation of the economy", Pope John Paul II noted in his Encyclical Centesimus Annus, "ought to be accompanied by effective international agencies which will oversee and direct the economy to the common good ... to an adequate notion of the common good, in relation to the whole human family" (Pope John Paul II: Encyclical Letter Centesimus Annus, n. 58).
The significance of globalization has rightly been a recurring theme of this year's International Labour Conference. The International Labour Organization has a significant role to play in guiding the globalization process, so that it responds equitably to the needs of all persons in today's world. Work is central for a globalization focussed on the needs of people.
Globalization must not be allowed to become an ideology, neither a pro-Globalization ideology nor an anti-Globalization ideology. We must rather attempt to verify objectively where globalization has worked for the benefit of broad sectors of society, and where it has not. We must identify why and how Globalization has worked well or worked badly. We must identify what is the optimum mix of elements that leads to a socially favourable integration into the globalization process, and which are the elements that foster marginalation.
The Holy See hopes that the Independent Commission on the Social Dimensions of Globalisation, set up by the Director General, will focus not on sterile ideological debates, but give rise to a process, which is forward-looking and results-orientated and foster coordinated, integrated responses. Successful transformation of the globalization process requires policies that foster greater inclusion and integration and less fragmentation.
The tripartite structure of the ILO is an integrating element quite unique in international life, and a powerful means of overcoming polarization. It forges links between the creative spirit of entrepreneurship, the initiative and the fundamental needs of workers and the requirements of the global common good. When it focuses on the needs of the human person as the central protagonist and beneficiary of work, it helps us realize that, to use the words of Pope John Paul II, "profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one; other human and moral factors must also be considered which, in the long term, are at least equally important for the life of a business" (ibid, n. 35).
But, like many other realities today, tripartitism must adapt itself, so that it can work more effectively within the realities of globalization, addressing its challenges and challenging its deficits. Tripartitism must therefore clearly identify the areas where it has specific advantage and value. It must vigorously defend its role in those areas. It must not allow its proven value be weakened by less focussed and, at times, less representative forms of associationism. The globalized economy still requires especially "broad associated Workers' movements, directed towards the liberation and promotion of the human person" (Ibid, n. 43)
At the same time, tripartitism cannot remain static. The worlds of employers, of labour and of government have changed. There are indeed many factors in the current global economic model that might contribute to a weakening of the tripartite model. Just like its individual constituents, tripartitism itself must find ways of addressing a changing situation. While maintaining integral the tripartite system, new partnerships can be established through dialogue with various sectors of civil society. Traditional links, like those between religious leaders and the world of work, for example, can be given new vigour.
The world needs new alliances in favour of work. Work is a fundamental dimension of human existence; it is the key to the global social question and to advancement in the fight against poverty. Work is a key factor in creating social cohesion and sustainability. Broad social dialogue is therefore a common interest and a common responsibility of all.
This item 4412 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
