Working together to make poverty history

Oct 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It is a reminder to all of us that according to the latest estimates, there are still over 700 million people on this planet living in dire conditions on less than $1.90 a day. Although the world has made significant progress in reducing poverty, it is still with us and its eradication should be the first task of the international community. That is Goal No1 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which calls upon all nations, regardless of their level of development, to take action to end poverty in all its forms and everywhere. The objective is set, action is now required.

The creation of decent jobs and access to social protection are key tools to win the battle against poverty. Both are at the heart of the International Labour Organization's mandate. The ILO was founded almost a century ago, in 1919, in the wake of World War I, to pursue a vision based on the premise that universal and lasting peace can only be established if it is based on social justice and decent work. On the eve of the ILO's 100th anniversary, it is striking to note how relevant its mandate has remained over time.

As a founding member, China was among the first countries to commit to the ILO's mandate. Looking at the four most recent decades of China's development, job creation and access to social protection have indeed been central to the reform and opening-up process, and in both areas, the results have been impressive. The Chinese economy's remarkable growth over that period has fueled the creation of millions of jobs and the expansion of social protection.