BANGKOK (ILO News) - The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, an independent Commission established by the ILO earlier this year, will hold its first regional dialogue in Asia and the Pacific on 16-17 December, 2002 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok. The Commission has been convened to look at ways of reducing poverty and unemployment, and to promote growth and sustainable development.

The World Commission gives high priority to holding dialogues with key regional and sub-regional actors in the globalization process, allowing it to listen to a diversity of views and perceptions, as well as to elicit knowledge and ideas for policy innovation.

"Strategies for Making Globalization More Inclusive for People – Views from the Asia Pacific," is aimed at exploring regional and sub-regional strategies for making globalization more inclusive. The views expressed at this meeting will be submitted, in the form of a report, for consideration by the World Commission as a whole.

Members of the Commission who will be present in Bangkok include H.E. Ms Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, Lord Bill Brett (U.K.), Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO, Dr Lu Mai (China), Secretary-General of the China Development Research Foundation, Dr Surin Pitsuwan (Thailand), MP and former foreign minister, and Ms Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Founder & Executive Director of Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples' International Center for Policy Research and Education).

The ILO launched the World Commission in February 2002 to identify ways of utilizing the potential of globalization to improve people’s lives, reduce poverty, and increase opportunities for all.

Media representatives are cordially invited to attend all sessions during this two-day meeting.

* Please confirm your attendance with ILO Public Information Officer Stephen Thompson, who will arrange your press pass. Please note that this is also the focal point for interview requests with Commissioners.

An agenda, background paper, Introduction to the Commission, FAQs and biographies of the Commissioners are attached for your information.