Quotes from international leaders in support of social protection systems for all

International leaders including the presidents of Brazil and France welcomed the report issued on Thursday 27 October by the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group headed by UN women chief Michelle Bachelet. The report calls on the G20 leaders to consider an “action plan” for implementing social protection floors through existing and new financing mechanisms.

Comment | Worldwide | 26 October 2011

“At a time of global economic turmoil and uncertainty, investment in social protection is necessary, feasible and effective. The recommendations of the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group point the way towards a fairer world of decent jobs and opportunities for all. I commend UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet for chairing the group, as well as the ILO and the WHO for their leading role in the UN Chief Executives Board Social Protection Floor Initiative.”

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, 11 October 2011

“The recent Brazilian experience shows that it is both possible and desirable for developing countries to build social protection systems for all, which also work as efficient poverty eradication tools. This is an ethical imperative as much as a matter of social justice and an essential condition to achieve sustainable national and international development. Brazil is committed to the implementation of the social protection floor. The work of the commission chaired by Michelle Bachelet represents an important contribution to advancing discussions on this issue and to improving social policies around the world.”

Dilma Rousseff, President of Brazil, 5 October 2011

“Economies fare better when there are efficient social protection schemes, because they help improve worker productivity and promote balanced and sustainable growth. … Building up a social protection floor in each country will take time. Certainly we cannot impose upon the poorest countries the standards and social systems of the wealthiest. But progress must be made. (In this respect), we have the outstanding work done by the commission chaired by Ms Bachelet…”

Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, 23 May 2011

“Achieving social justice and decent work in a globalized era has proven to be a daunting task for many developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of the poor nations are.
… The extension of social security can be achieved through tripartite collaboration and adherence to international labour standards. Innovative policy mechanisms and dialogue between employers, employees and governments are essential.”

Jakaya Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, 15 June 2011

“Viet Nam actively promotes economic growth in tandem with improved social protection and better living conditions for all. This is at the heart of the Social Protection Floor initiative. We congratulate Ms Bachelet and the Advisory Group for this landmark report.”

Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of Viet Nam, 9 October 2011