ARCHBISHOP MARTIN: BROADEN SOCIAL DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 12, 2002 (VIS) - On June 17, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, addressed the 90th International Labor Conference which took place in Geneva from June 3 to 20, 2002.

In his speech, Archbishop Martin recalled the words of John Paul II who, in his Encyclical "Centesimus annus," affirms that "an increasing internationalization of the economy ought to be accompanied by effective international agencies which will oversee and direct the economy to the common good ... to an adequate notion of the common good, in relation to the whole human family."

Going on to refer to the creation of the Independent Commission on the Social Dimensions of Globalization, the archbishop expressed the Holy See's hope that the commission will "focus not on sterile ideological debates, but will give rise to a process which is forward-looking and results-oriented and foster coordinated, integrated responses. Successful transformation of the globalization process requires policies that foster greater inclusion and integration and less fragmentation."

He went on: "The tripartite structure of the International Labor Organization is an integrating element quite unique in international life, and a powerful means of overcoming polarization. It forges links between the creative spirit of entrepreneurship, the initiative and the fundamental needs of workers and the requirements of the global common good. ... At the same time, tripartitism cannot remain static. The worlds of employers, of labor and of government have changed. ... While maintaining integral the tripartite system, new partnerships can be established through dialogue with various sectors of civil society."

In closing, the archbishop affirmed that the world "needs new alliances in favor of work. Work is a fundamental dimension of human existence; it is the key to the global social question and to advancement in the fight against poverty. Work is a key factor in creating social cohesion and sustainability. Broad social dialogue is therefore a common interest and a common responsibility of all."

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