Commonwealth trade unionists stress need for action on socially equitable development

Commonwealth trade unionists stress need for action on socially equitable development

The Commonwealth Trade Union Group of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions made a submission to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Malta on 25-27 November 2005. In tune with this year's theme - Networking the Commonwealth for Development - the Submission supports the development of strong links and intergovernmental co-operation through the Commonwealth and stresses the importance of achieving socially equitable and sustainable development.

The Submission called upon the Commonwealth leaders to agree to hold a tripartite Annual Forum of Commonwealth Labour Ministers, set a target for all Commonwealth governments to ratify all eight core labour standards within the next five years and take decisive action to facilitate access to information communications and technology for all citizens. It also called for, inter alia, publication of a biennial stock-taking of progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for each Commonwealth country. Representatives from the Commonwealth Trade Union Group took part in the Commonwealth People's Forum which was officially opened by the Maltese Prime Minister, Mr Lawrence Gonzi, on 20 November 2005.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, hosted by a Commonwealth nation, is held every two years. The next meeting will be held in Uganda in 2007.