UN Secretary-General Underlines ILO’s Role in the Emerging Green Economy

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]

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