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Social Dialogue and the Future of Work

ESC-SI adopts Athens Declaration to promote social dialogue as a key instrument for shaping the future of work

Over 180 participants from 37 countries gathered in Athens on 23-24 November 2017 to adopt a landmark Declaration on Social Dialogue and the Future of Work.

News | 27 November 2017
ATHENS (ILO News) – Representatives from Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (ESC-SI) have adopted the Athens Declaration which promotes social dialogue between governments and the social partners around the globe as a key instrument for shaping the future of work.

The International Conference – organized by the ILO, AICESIS and the Economic and Social Council of Greece – culminated in the signing of the Athens Declaration in which participants renewed their commitment to social dialogue and committed themselves to reinforce efforts to bring together governments, workers and employers, as well as other stakeholders to address the challenges and multiplying opportunities associated with the future of work.

ESC-SIs requested the ILO to offer assistance and expertise to support ESC-SIs to strengthen capacities of their members and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences on the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at addressing the impact of technological and demographic changes, climate change and globalization. In addition, they have asked the ILO to further advocate social dialogue and tripartism as an important means to maintain and rebuild social justice and peace within and between countries.

During the Conference, ESC-SIs expressed their appreciation of the collaboration between the ILO and AICESIS on social dialogue and the future of work at a time when important transformations are taking place in the world of work.