Sustainable Development and the Future of Work in the Context of the Jubilee of Mercy – Statement of Commitment and Action (Rome, 2016)
Summary of the Statement of Commitment and Action
The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Caritas Internationalis, and the Catholic-inspired organisations working group on decent work, and other religious organisations convened in Rome between 2nd and 5th May, 2016, to reflect together on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Future of Work initiative in the context of the Jubilee of Mercy.
In the Statement of Commitment and Action, representatives of Catholic organisations, movements of trade unions and of cooperatives, associations of business leaders, and other organisations involved in the promotion of decent work at local, national or international levels, committed to promote dignity, dialogue, and the promotion of human rights and international labour standards as the core of any sustainable development policies.
Participants called upon the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the ILO, Caritas Internationalis, and the Working Group of Catholic–Inspired Organizations Engaged in the Promotion of Decent Work, to seize the opportunity, during the ongoing implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the ILO Future of Work Centenary Initiative, to continue promotion of exchange and dialogue among organisations involved in the world of work, especially since dialogue is one of the strong values held in common by both the Social Doctrine of the Church and the ILO. Engagement with other religious structures and communities also is of the utmost importance.
The global seminar presented three key features. First, it brought to the global level a dynamic of dialogue between social partners and religious actors, a dynamic which has its roots in many different national contexts. Second, it continued the convergence of efforts on issues related to the promotion of decent work in the context of SDGs, for which a wide range of actors ranging from governments, employers, workers, civil society and faith based organisations have been contributing. Third, it opened the path for further contributions on Future of Work initiatives.
The world of work is in constant evolution. Many factors are at play and request renewed, if not new, responses. At this very moment, many questions remain open: will all, including the youth, the migrants, and the most vulnerable, be able to have access to meaningful work? Will the new industrial revolution dramatically change the way we work? How is solidarity going to be developed and organized?
How, in this context, can we give priority to “integral human development” and give concrete support to the goal expressed by Pope Francis: it is essential that we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady employment for everyone.
“Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development, and personal fulfilment”.
This event was a significant step forward on a long route that is now reflected in the work done in the framework of “The future of work, Labour after Laudato Sí” global project.