Op-Ed Contributors

Advancing human resources

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-20 08:02

Improve social safety nets and reinforce social protection and employment assistance for the vulnerable groups

14. We recognize the important role that social safety nets have had in addressing the social dimensions of crisis and will have in meeting the needs of vulnerable groups into the recovery and beyond. We attach great importance to the role social safety nets play as a social and economic automatic stabilizer, by contributing to aggregate demand, elevating social inclusion and enabling people to take advantage of market opportunities and share in the benefits of economic growth. Social safety nets also contribute to labor mobility and job creation. Giving due consideration to the actual circumstances and economic development level of each economy, we endeavor to improve our social safety nets through sound design and delivery. In economies where there is widespread informal employment, we will work to gradually achieve basic social protection for all.

15. We underline the importance of active social protection measures, emphasizing integrating social protection measures and employment policies. We will continue to implement social protection measures which provide those in need with short-term economic security and help them to gain employment to avoid long-term benefits dependency. Particular attention will be given to gender equality on social protection and employment assistance. We agree to take stock of and disseminate in a timely manner, innovative and successful social protection practices in our economies which effectively address unemployment.

Enhance human capacity building and prepare the work force to revitalize economic growth

16. Faced with shifting demographic trends, ever increasing global competition and technological changes, our economies need to fully utilize our human resources' potential. Education and skills development raise productivity and adaptability of workers and enterprises, and provide the foundation for sustained, inclusive and innovative economic growth and employment expansion. Basic education for all is essential as a foundation for further skills development. We endeavor to support establishing and enhancing education, life-long learning and skills development systems for all to provide 21st century knowledge, skills and competencies. We pledge to pay particular attention to the needs of new labor entrants, vulnerable groups and the requirements of entrepreneurship training. We encourage and welcome increased public and private sector participation and will better harness new information and communication technologies to enhance access to education and training opportunities.

17. We pledge to support those policies that lead to flexible and responsive education and skills development and help to address current and future skills shortages. We will continue to foster a stronger partnership between governments, businesses, social organizations and training institutions so that there is a better skills match between education and training providers and employer needs. We agree to take meaningful steps toward improving curriculum development and training of trainers, as well as skills standards to build a skilled and adaptable APEC work force. We stress the importance of upgrading APEC's capacity-building to strengthen managerial and professional skills for both government and business sectors.

18. Globalization is accelerating industrial restructuring and bringing about long-term labor market changes, leading to the obsolescence of some sectors and jobs and the emergence of new ones. Crisis responses in some economies have also boosted a shift to a green economy. We will pay significant attention to the demand for new skills and will strengthen education and training to prepare our work force with new skills for new jobs, in particular opportunities presented by green growth. We undertake to enhance cooperation among economies to that end.