Global perspective Human stories

Decent work key to poverty reduction, social integration – Migiro

Decent work key to poverty reduction, social integration – Migiro

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today underscored the vital role that employment and decent work play in promoting development.

“Decent work is not just an end in itself,” she said in her opening address to the Commission for Social Development (CSD) at UN Headquarters. “It is crucial for poverty eradication and social integration, the two other planks of social development.”

The Deputy Secretary-General also advocated for workplace security and social protection for workers and their families.

In its 46th session which ends on 15 February, the CSD – whose 46 members are elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – will focus on employment, ageing and disability.

Ms. Migiro voiced hope that the Commission will come up with recommendations for how best to further the cause of decent work in national strategies and development plans, in particular through macroeconomic policies.

“Special priority should be given to the design of policies resolving the problem of long-term unemployment and underemployment of youth, women, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups,” she stressed.

A “coherent approach” to further the cause of decent work within the broader development agenda which brings together the UN family, civil society and the private sector is essential, the Deputy Secretary-General noted.