1. About the ILO
2. Topics
3. Regions
4. Meetings and events
5. Publications
6. Research
7. Labour standards
8. Statistics and databases

FIRST ITEM ON THE AGENDA

Continuation of discussions concerning
the programme of work and mandate
of the Working Party

(a) Overview of the activities of other international
organizations and bodies relevant to the
work of the Working Party

Addendum

Group of Fifteen (G-15) --
Communiqué of the Seventh Summit
(5 November 1997)

1. The Seventh Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Group of Fifteen (Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Venezuela and Zimbabwe) was held between 3 and 5 November 1997 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). In the Communiqué adopted at the end of the Summit, the Heads of State and Government referred to a number of issues relating to globalization. These included: the need to increase the participation of developing countries in the global economy by creating a non-discriminating economic environment; improving access of those developing countries to developed country markets, capital and the technology; the search for a fairer multilateral trading system and the creation of new partnerships between developed countries, developing countries and multilateral institutions which will ensure that all countries benefit from globalization.

2. Paragraph 20 of the Communiqué concerns more specifically questions of employment and labour standards in the context of the globalization process. It states that:

20. Low wages in developing countries are not responsible for the loss of jobs in the developed countries. This has been acknowledged by the G-7 as they have attributed unemployment and economic insecurity in the developed countries to rapid technological and demographic changes rather than to competition from developing countries. Developed countries should address their unemployment problems through the implementation of appropriate macroeconomic and structural policies. Unemployment will not be solved by protectionism. We are committed to promoting core labour standards but reject their use for protectionist purposes. Greater trade and investment between all countries, particularly between the developed and the developing countries, can only generate new sources of growth in the global economy. We have much to gain, not to lose, if we strengthen these ties.

3. Finally, it should be emphasized that the Group of Fifteen decided during the Summit to welcome Kenya as a new member of the Group. The next Summit will be held in May 1998 in Egypt.

Geneva, 10 November 1997.