In spite of COVID-19 left the world unprepared, “we cannot let this happen again,” he said in a video message to the Global Forum for People-Centered Recovery, organized by the Labor Organization. International Movement (ILO).
Social protection for the whole people
The three-day forum is being held online and brings together world leaders, heads of international organizations and multilateral development banks, and representatives from employers’ and workers around the world.
“We need a green, people-centred, people-first recovery,” said Mr. Guterres.
“Putting people first means achieving universal social protection, the best line of defense against shocks of all kinds and crucial to a just transition.. ”
The head of the United Nations commended the ILO for convening the forum, which comes at an important time for countries, economies, families and workers.
Women bear the burden
According to the top UN official, as the pandemic broke out, poverty increased, inequality grew and household incomes fell, while billionaires saw profits. Theirs skyrocketed, according to the top UN official.
Mr. Guterres said the situation was even worse for women, as they faced rising unemployment and a large burden of caregiving.
Without a “solid” social safety net and good job opportunities, many women will not be able to re-enter the workforce, he warned.
Meanwhile, vaccine inequality persists, meaning richer countries are gearing up to recover as many low-income countries face mounting debt as well as large job deficits and large employment deficits. Castle.
The Secretary-General further highlighted the critical need for climate action, reiterating again that countries are “beyond the target” when it comes to limiting global temperature rise.
Action at work
He says putting people first means renewing their social contract and making a big investment in their future lives.
Among the key discussion topics at the forum was the Global Accelerator for Employment and Social Protection for Equal Transformation, which the head of the United Nations launched in September 2021.
The goal is to create at least 400 million jobs, particularly in the “green” and care sectors, and expand social protection to the roughly four billion people currently uninsured.
Mr. Guterres called on countries to act now to achieve a fair recovery, noting that the balance between global disruption and global disruption depends on the choices made today. .
“Let’s get through this difficult moment together with our best efforts to unite behind common solutions to recovery., “I said. “Solutions come from solidarity. Solutions that put people first”.
