Geneva, 12 December 2006
45th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development
Madam President,
Mr. President,
Employment issues are high on the agenda of both the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations.Â
The 45th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, which will take place in New York from 7 to 16 February 2007, will debate Promoting full employment and decent work for all. This item will be discussed over two consecutive annual sessions. This year's debate will be held during the first three days of the session from 7 to 9 February 2007.
For the IPU, the selection of employment issues as the Commission's main order of business in 2007 and 2008 is opportune for two reasons.Â
Firstly, at its 116th Assembly in April 2007, the Union will be debating Job creation and employment security in the age of globalisation. Secondly, the IPU Governing Bodies have just approved proposals for a programme of cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on employment issues. Implementation of this programme of cooperation will begin early next year.Â
I would therefore like to encourage members of parliament who work on employment-related issues in their respective parliaments to attend the Commission's debate in New York next February. Should you wish to send a delegation to attend the Commission, the IPU New York Office will gladly provide more background information. I also encourage you to visit the following website: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/csd/csocd2007.htm. The IPU Office will also arrange a programme of activities for interested members of parliament.Â
I believe that the February session of the Commission represents an ideal opportunity for us to start organizing a strong parliamentary response to the critical issue of employment, and very much hope that you will wish to nominate members of your parliament to take part in this important meeting.
Yours sincerely,
Anders B. Johnsson
Secretary General