| dc.description.abstract | As we approach the Millennium Development Goals target date of 2015,
regional, national and online thematic consultations have been taking place to
frame the post-2015 global development agenda. A consensus on goals, targets
and indicators for sustainable development will have to be reached before the
end of 2015. The big questions revolve around the ways the international community
will respond to the pressing issues of economic development, environmental
protection and social equity in a sustainable manner.
Among the preliminary findings of these consultations, is that job creation and
concerns about the quality of jobs – especially in the informal economy - are
top priorities in most countries, and will remain a major challenge well beyond
2015.1 Jobs provide livelihoods, income and security for populations, and in
addition to creating new jobs, good quality jobs are a prerequisite for dignity for
all. The ILO Decent Work Agenda of job creation, rights at work, social protection
and social dialogue has been recognized as among the guiding principles at
the debate. Achieving sustainable development must include the world of work.
As values-based organizations, cooperative enterprises provide livelihoods for
millions of people around the world, and are by nature sustainable and participatory
form of business. They can be found in all sectors of the economy, and
place emphasis on job security and improved working conditions, pay competitive
wages, promote additional income through profit-sharing and distribution
of dividends, and support community facilities and services such as health
clinics and schools. In addition, cooperatives foster democratic knowledge and
practices and social inclusion, making them well-placed to support the achievement
of sustainable development. Cooperatives have also shown resilience in
face of the economic crises. | en_US |
