Finland Times

 

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder is visiting Finland on Tuesday. Photo Lehtikuva.

Finland, a founding member of the International Labour Organisation, is going to participate in the ILO’s new programme aimed at helping developing countries improve their working conditions and reduce their risk of accidents and occupational illnesses. 

 

“With Finnish occupational health and safety know-how, we want to improve the working conditions of target countries by promoting work that is fit for humans. Work in which equality and safety prevails also improves productivity and competitiveness”, Social Affairs and Health Minister Laura Räty was quoted to have said in a press release of the ministry. 

 

The new flagship programme is supported by the G20 countries, and is a significant worldwide partnership in a sector in which Finland has know-how and professional skills that are appreciated.

 

Finland's staunch knowledge and experience are based on tripartite cooperation of management, labour, and the state. In addition to Finland, the United States has also announced that it will take part in the programme as a founding member. 

 

Occupational safety and occupational health are fundamental human rights that must be secured for everyone. In spite of this, 2.3 million people die at their workplaces each year. In other words, an employee dies at his or her workplace somewhere in the world every 15 seconds. 

 

The starting point of Finland's development policy and cooperation is a green, inclusive economy that is based on the sustainable use of natural resources without forgetting human well-being and social equality.

 

 One of the most important goals is to create decent work and well-being for as many people as possible. By supporting safe and healthy working environments it is possible to reduce poverty, marginalisation, and human suffering in the developing countries. 

 

“The goal of development cooperation is for societies to gain strength and for people to get on their feet so that they themselves would be capable of contributing to the advancement of development”, said International Development Minister Sirpa Paatero.

 

The minister said it was also in the interests of Finnish employees for well-being at work, professional appreciation, and decent pay to be realized all over the world. “Finland is participating in the ILO project with a significant degree of input, both financially and by offering its expertise”. 

 

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder is currently visiting Finland at the invitation of Labour Minister Lauri Ihalainen.