Recovery from the crisis – Coherent policies for growth and jobs

Check against deliver

The Minister based his remarks on the following points: 

• Wish you all welcome. – A very timely regional meeting – and a high priority for Norway. Very focused and interesting discussions yesterday. I am pleased to be moderating this discussion today on policy coherence.  
• Just a few short remarks that I would like to make:
• I) The challenges we face are complex and circumstances vary across Europe and Central Asia: Some places still a sense of optimism; however, many countries face grave problems indeed.
• II) Record unemployment, especially among youth, and increasing inequalities are cause for serious worry.
• III) Furthermore: a weakening of social protection and an undermining of rights. We must insist on upholding standards and rights, especially in times of crisis.
• IV) It seems that social dialogue is challenged rather than employed in formulating the policy responses to the crisis. Remember: the tripartite system was borne out of – and remains particularly important – during times of crisis.
• In my view: Social dialogue is fundamental to the legitimacy and ultimately the success of these policies. Why? It ensures trust and cohesion. It enhances society’s ability to adapt and restructure. It makes consensus-building possible.
• Setting aside social dialogue leaves society vulnerable to distrust and to social and political unrest. – Especially in times of economic crisis.  
• V) My fifth point: The interaction between social and economic policies is more than ever of great importance. The importance of policy coherence is recognized by national governments, regional institutions and international organizations.
• In my view: Austerity measures leave too little space for social and employment policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and restoring growth.
• Now, I look forward to hearing from our panelists: What is needed in order to shape more coherent policies – aimed at restoring growth and employment? As the region continues to struggle with the economic crisis, do we face the prospects of jobless growth? How do we shape policies that create more and better productive jobs? Have our efforts to deal with the financial crisis led to a social crisis? How do we avoid – when dealing with the financial crisis – that we create or aggravate a social crisis?
• Thank you.