"Inclusive Development News" Newsletter Issues

Introduction (13/07/2021)

Welcome to the sixth edition of Inclusive Development News covering a range of topics on employment, labour rights, trade and investment, social protection and inequalities, of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships of the European Commission. This edition’s spotlight focuses on inequalities with a new manual, research event and results. We also have articles introducing new guides on employment, a new programme on social protection, inclusive communications for people with disabilities, the international year for the eradication of child labour and other interesting announcements, publications, upcoming events and much more!

Solving the big development challenges (14/07/2021)

The second volume of a new guide on promoting employment and decent work has been published.

Human development in the EU’s international spending in turbulent times: From words to deeds? (14/07/2021)

Against the backdrop of the conflict, the EU has finalised its programming for much of the €79.5 billion Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI-GE). This paper analyses how human development was addressed in the Multi-Annual Indicative programmes (MIPs) in sub-Saharan Africa.

A new programme is helping expand social protection through increased and more reliable public financing (13/07/2021)

Today, only 45% of the world’s population are covered by at least one social protection benefit, while the remaining 55% – 4 billion people – are left unprotected.

How to be heard? Promoting accessible communication for persons with disabilities (13/07/2021)

Think of an image that is spreading rapidly on social networks and that is beginning to generate retweets and quotes but that has no alternative description. Blind people are automatically left out of that conversation.

Empowering women and girls to end child labour (13/07/2021)

This year is the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour which calls on all of us to raise awareness of the importance of the eradication of child labour, and to share best practices.

Inequalities: We must build back better from the crisis as Team Europe (14/07/2021)

To achieve our collective goal of ending extreme poverty for all, as called for by the 2030 Agenda, we must work to understand inequalities, what drives them, and take unified action to reduce them.

The EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities has wrapped up 3-years of productive work (14/07/2021)

The EU-AFD Research Facility to better understand inequalities has, throughout its 3 years of implementation, undertaken 23 research projects, producing 150 publications.

The time to act to end child labour is now (16/07/2021)

There was a Week of Action around this year’s World Day Against Child Labour (12 June). This year is the International Year on the Elimination of Child Labour. Read our June article on child labour here with information on the alarming new data on child labour and information on what was happening in the context of the International Year, including a High Level Dialogue between the European Commission, ILO and UNICEF, the announcement of the winners of a song contest, and much more.

New VET Toolbox service to increase local benefits of European investment in Sub-Saharan Africa (16/07/2021)

Investment not only needs finance but also people with the right skills. The new VET Toolbox service supports local people in 11 countries in Sub-Saharan African in acquiring relevant skills. The VET Toolbox presented this new service during an online launch event on 8 June 2021. Find the videos and background documents from the launch here, including a video message from Commissioner Urpilainen. An animated video “VET Toolbox: Relevant skills for all” was produced to present the services of VET Toolbox aiming at increasing local benefits of European investment. Video on the new Toolbox service.

New online course on VET is now available on addressing skills and VET in the green transition (16/07/2021)

This is the 9th module offering a short self-paced introduction to key concepts of vocational education and training. It is available on INTPA Academy and you can enrol here (registration required).

Workshop on accompanying measures to EU supply chain legislation (16/07/2021)

An Expert Workshop was hosted by DG INTPA and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to discuss and co-create accompanying support measures to forthcoming EU legislation on mandatory due diligence and supply chain sustainability. Read about the workshop here.

Launch of the EU’s new partnership with Better Work (20/07/2021)

Better Work is an alliance to improve working conditions, business practices and environmental sustainability in the garment industry. The launch event featured Marjeta Jager, Deputy Director General for DG INTPA and Cécile Billaux, Head of Unit, Micro-Economic Analysis, Investment Climate, Private Sector, Trade, and Employment, DG INTPA. Find the programme here and watch a recording of the event here. The event was linked to the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sectors.

Study on ending child labour in cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana published (20/07/2021)

A new report commissioned by DG INTPA on ending child labour and promoting sustainable cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana has been published. The report presents the overall challenges related to ending child labour, assesses the situation of child labour in cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and puts forward a comprehensive set of recommendations for all stakeholders. Read the full report here and the executive summary in English here and in French here.

Report on Women’s Economic Empowerment published (20/07/2021)

The Investment Climate Reform Facility (ICR-Facility) has published a first report in a series: Business Environment Reforms to Support Women-Owned Businesses in ACP Countries: Legal, Administrative and Policy Reforms to Access Finance and Manage Businesses. Find out more information on the ICR-Facility here.

DG GROW guide on taking account of social considerations in public procurement (20/07/2021)

Find the guide “Buying social: a guide to taking account of social considerations in public procurement” by the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs in all EU Languages here. Find more information here.

The International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour 2021 is off and running (14/07/2021)

The International Year is an opportunity to Act, Inspire and Scale-up and there are many initiatives already underway, including a call for the submission of action pledges, a song competition, and cartoon competition, amongst many more. Watch the launch event here. and visit the website of the International Year here.

50 Billion Euros: Europe’s Child Labour Footprint, a report by the Greens/EFA group of the European Parliament (20/07/2021)

The report has been recently published and assesses the EU’s imported goods in 2019 and reveals that close to 100EUR per European of EU imported goods was tainted with child labour. The study was commissioned by MEP Saskia Bricmont. Read the report here.

Cartoon competition on forced labour (20/07/2021)

The international cartoon competition on forced labour has received cartoons from more than 200 artists from 65 countries. The competition is being organised by the ILO and the NGO Human Resources Without Borders (RHSF). The winners will be announced soon here.

EU event marking the 10th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention 189 on Domestic Workers (20/07/2021)

Domestic workers remain among the most vulnerable workers, including in the EU. The event attracted several high-level speakers, including Commissioner Nicolas Schmit. The discussion focused on the current situation, the progress made since the adoption of Convention 189 and the next steps which are necessary to improve domestic workers' working and living conditions. Watch a recording of the event that took place on 28-29 June here.

UN Global Compact – Improving wages to advance decent work in supply chains (20/07/2021)

The UN Global Compact has launched a campaign on “Living Wages” in supply chains, delve into the interactive website here.

Webinaire : Développement & inégalités : quel «jour d’après » pour la solidarité internationale? (14/07/2021)

Conjointement organisé par Oxfam France et l’AFD, ce webinaire a constitué un temps d’échange et a permis de construire une réflexion commune sur la place de la lutte contre les inégalités au sein de la politique de développement française. Le trouver ici.

IDS Report: Living Wage, Living Income, and Child Labour-Free Zones: Arguments and Implications for Children’s Work (14/07/2021)

This report explores the state of the discussion among those who advocate for the living wage, the living income, and the child labour-free zones, based on the literature published by those organisations. It also reflects on some of the implications for children’s work in African agriculture. Find it here.

Technical note: COVID-19 and Child Labour (14/07/2021)

The Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action has produced a note on offers guidance and information to practitioners and policy-makers on child labour issues during and after COVID-19 and what actions can be taken. Find it here.

Working paper: Informality, Consumption Taxes, and Redistribution (14/07/2021)

Read a paper from the World Bank, assessing whether consumption taxes reduce inequality in developing countries. The paper combines household expenditure data from 31 countries to shed new light on the redistributive potential and optimal design of consumption taxes. Find it here.

Synthesis paper: To get to work: connecting supply and demand-side interventions for youth employment in African countries (14/07/2021)

Read a synthesis paper from the INCLUDE platform, commissioned by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that provides a synopsis of lessons learned, comparative analysis of results, and more, of the Local Employment in Africa for Development (LEAD) programme, and is based on four independent evaluations. Read it here.

Article: Inequality kills (14/07/2021)

Read an article - Inequality kills - on the impact of the coronavirus on the global south, by Stefan Peters for International Politics and Society. He outlines the risk of massive political unrest and instability is looming unless action must now be taken quickly and decisively. Read it here.

Report: Implementing the ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention No. 169: Towards an inclusive, sustainable and just future (14/07/2021)

This report examines the implementation of the Convention No. 169 and the current social and economic situation of indigenous peoples across the world. Find it here. Also available in ES and FR.

Policy brief: ILO A gender-responsive employment recovery: Building back fairer (14/07/2021)

The COVID-19 crisis is different from previous economic crises and has laid bare entrenched gender inequalities. The COVID-19 crisis is impacting women and men differently. Find the brief here.

Nota de la OIT: Afrontar la crisis del empleo juvenil provocada por la COVID-19 (14/07/2021)

Esta reseña de políticas destaca cómo los jóvenes, especialmente las mujeres, están siendo gravemente afectados por la pandemia COVID-19. El informe hace un llamado a medidas de política urgentes, integrales y específicas para hacer frente a la pandemia mundial. Lea más. Disponible en francés. e inglés.

IDS and CSP opinion piece: Covid-19 and social protection needs: who are the most vulnerable? (14/07/2021)

Covid-19 and responses to the pandemic have created new needs for social protection. Read a CSP blog on groups who are most at risk and in need of social assistance most urgently here.

ILO report on child labour and forced labour in cotton in Uzbekistan (14/07/2021)

This is a third-party monitoring report on the incidence of child labour and forced labour in the cotton harvest in Uzbekistan in 2019. The European Union supported the monitoring work. Find it here.

ILO, IGAD and EU study on skills development and recognition for regulated labour mobility in the IGAD region (14/07/2021)

The potential of skills development and recognition for regulated labour mobility in the IGAD Region - A scoping study covering Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. Find it here.

Report: African Union and UNDP report on The State of Social Assistance in Africa (14/07/2021)

More African governments than ever before are delivering social assistance to the poor and to vulnerable populations. The report maps and analyses the recent growth of social assistance. Find it here.

Report: “Our Happy Family Is Gone” - Impact of the “War on Drugs” on Children in the Philippines (14/07/2021)

Read a report from Human Rights Watch that details the plight of children whose parents or guardians have been killed. The increased poverty and trauma have led many children to leave school or compelled them to work. Some were forced to live on the streets. Find it here.

Report: Workplace-based learning and youth employment in Africa (14/07/2021)

The report is part of a series of evidence synthesis papers led by INCLUDE, to take stock of existing evidence on themes relevant to youth employment. This report ‘Workplace Based Learning and Youth Employment in Africa’ reviews and synthesises literature on the evidence on workplace-based learning interventions in Africa. Read it here.

Paper: Human Capital and Participation in Global Value Chains: Evidence from Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Indonesia (14/07/2021)

The paper from the Asian Development Bank assesses the size, ownership structure, and financing capability of small and medium-sized enterprises and how they drive their participation in global value chains. Find it here.

Beyond Your Clothes : a consumer campaign tool (28/07/2021)

Beyond Your Clothes is raising awareness on working conditions and the environmental impact and detrimental effects of fast fashion. The #BeyondYourClothes interactive website has been developed with EU support and is in various European languages. Visit it here.

Vision Zero Fund: virtual conference on the results of the ILO programme promoting safe and healthy work, supported by the EU. (08/09/2021)

Vision Zero Fund: virtual conference on the results of the ILO programme promoting safe and healthy work, supported by the EU.

Call for Proposals: Sustainable raw materials value chains in Africa (23/09/2021)

Under the EC’s Horizon programme, a Call for Proposals has been launched on sustainable raw materials value chains – Africa.

Webinar: UN Global Compact (Network UK) Webinar on Child Labour in the Apparel Sector for the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour (29/09/2021)

The webinar is part of a series for the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.

Virtual event: Global Solutions Forum - Acting together to end child labour in agriculture (02/11/2021)

The FAO in collaboration with the ILO is organising a virtual high level event. The two-day Global Solutions Forum will build the discussions from the results of the Call for Action on “Ending Child Labour in Agriculture with the Help of Agricultural Stakeholders” and consultations with agricultural stakeholders, to identify good practices and recommendations to accelerate progress. Representatives from DG INTPA will be speaking.

Introduction (18/11/2020)

Welcome to the fifth edition of Inclusive Development News covering a range of topics on employment, labour rights and social inclusion of the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission.

This edition’s spotlight focuses on migrant workers. We also have articles on promoting youth leadership in indigenous communities in Peru, vocational training and mining in Uganda, the due diligence regulation for minerals and a campaign promoting a living wage for garment workers. On top of this, we have many interesting announcements, publications, upcoming events and much more!

Job training was a new concept in Uganda, now it’s a priority in the tourism sector (18/11/2020)

The VET Toolbox is supporting the work of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skills Council in Uganda. This is the story of the chairperson of the council, Herbert Byaruhanga.

Promoting youth leadership in an indigenous community in Peru (18/11/2020)

The territory of the indigenous Wampis Nation is located in the municipal districts of Río Kanus (Santiago) and Río Kankaim (Morona) in the north western part of Peru. An initiative supported by the EU has implemented a leadership project for indigenous youth.

Due diligence obligations to prevent harm from minerals and metals mining in conflict and high risk areas (18/11/2020)

An EU regulation comes into effect on 1 January 2021 requiring EU companies importing specific minerals and metals, potentially present in consumer products, to undertake due diligence.

#FashionChecker: Calling for a living wage for garment workers and a more transparent supply chain (18/11/2020)

The European Union is committed to making value chains in the garment sector more sustainable and is supporting a broad range of initiatives to promote decent work and reduce vulnerabilities for garment workers across the world.

Partnership for Enlargement: A new way to integrate Ukraine and the EU’s eastern neighbourhood (18/11/2020)

Russia’s war on Ukraine puts the entire future European order at risk. It is already forcing a profound reconsideration of the EU’s and its neighbours’ interests. To address this, the EU needs to devise a new approach to its neighbourhood, similar to the way in which it has rapidly enhanced its security and economic policies to respond to the threat.

Commission launches initiative for more sustainable cocoa production (18/11/2020)

A new EU initiative to improve sustainability in the cocoa sector has been launched by the EC. The new multi-stakeholder dialogue brings together a wide range of representatives, initiates a series of actions in support of a sustainable cocoa sector and supports the dialogue with Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Read more about the initiative here and follow the conversation on #CocoaTalks.

New EU document on the promotion of decent work (18/11/2020)

A new Staff Working Document providing an overview of EU involvement in the promotion of decent work worldwide. The EU is active in different policy areas to promote decent work in global value chains, striving for a fair, sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Read the document here.

German Conference on global supply chains – Global responsibly: Human rights and decent work in global supply chains (18/11/2020)

A conference was organised by the German government under the auspices of the EU Presidency on the protection of human rights and the enforcement of decent working conditions along global supply chains. Find the recording of the conference and other materials here.

Consultation on new EU strategy on the rights of the child (2021-24) (18/11/2020)

This public consultation is targeting all stakeholders, namely relevant EU agencies and international organisations, civil society organisations and academia, national authorities and regional and local authorities, as well as the general public, including children and young people. It is taking place between 01 September and 08 December. Find out more information here. Read the latest newsletter on the rights of the child of the European Commission’s DG for Justice and Consumers here and subscribe here.

New video on the EU-ILO partnership for development cooperation (18/11/2020)

The EU and the ILO have a longstanding partnership based on a shared vision to achieve social justice based on the promotion of international labour standards and cooperation with governments as well as workers’ and employers’ organisations. The EU is the largest contributor to the ILO. Watch it here.

New webinar on Labour Migration in the context of COVID-19 (18/11/2020)

The webinar provides an opportunity to discuss changes in labour migration governance and concerns of migrant workers, especially women migrant workers in the context of COVID-19; and specific challenges faced by women migrant workers, responses and recommendations.
Enrol on DEVCO academy here (sign up required)

ILO Brief - Experiences of ASEAN migrant workers during COVID-19: Rights at work, migration and quarantine during the pandemic, and re-migration plans (18/11/2020)

The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting labour migration throughout the ASEAN region. The ILO undertook a rapid assessment survey, interviewing ASEAN migrant workers at the start of the crisis about how COVID-19 has impacted them. This brief summarizes the responses of 309 women and men migrant workers who participated. Find it here.

5th Global Report on Adult Learning and Education - Citizenship education: Empowering adults for change (20/11/2020)

The main challenge for adult learning and education across the globe is to reach those who need it most. The present report shows that while there is progress, notably in the participation of women, those who need adult education the most -- disadvantaged and vulnerable groups such as Indigenous learners, rural populations, migrants, older citizens, people with disabilities or prisoners -- are deprived of access to learning opportunities.

Child labour song competition in Ghana (20/11/2020)

The Ghana Employment and Social Protection Programme, financed by the EU, received 25 song entries for the recent #SongAgainstChildLabour Competition. Read more about the contest here.
The winner - Kwame and Kpodo - has been announced here. You can listen to the winning song here. The winning song will accompany the campaign in support of the 2021 International Year against Child Labour.

FAO framework on ending child labour in agriculture (20/11/2020)

This purpose of the framework is to guide FAO in the integration of measures addressing child labour within its work, programmes and initiatives. It also provides guidance for states and is a basis for collaboration with development partners. Read it here.

ILO report - World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2020 (20/11/2020)

A lack of decent work combined with rising unemployment and persisting inequality is making it increasingly difficult for people to build better lives through their work, according to the latest edition of the ILO’s global report on employment and social trends. Find it here. Also summary available in FR and ES.

Sixth edition of the ILO Monitor on COVID-19 and the World of Work (20/11/2020)

The monitor examines the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market over the last six months, with a focus on the decline in labour income that has taken place as a result of workplace closures and working-hour losses. Read it here.

Statement on the Role of Social Protection in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic (20/11/2020)

Representatives on the Social Protection Inter-Agency Cooperation Board have called for urgent social protection measures to respond to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Read the statement here.

Free online course on social protection by IDS Take this free online course - Social Protection: A Primer - to learn about the basics of social protection and its implementation around the world. The (20/11/2020)

Free online course on social protection by IDS Take this free online course - Social Protection: A Primer - to learn about the basics of social protection and its implementation around the world. The course is designed for suitable for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and project managers. Find out more and enrol here.

Video: Combatting forced labour in the Thai fishing and seafood industry (20/11/2020)

The conditions for workers in Thailand’s seafood and fishing industry have improved. The EU and ILO’s Ship to Shore Rights project has supported the Thai government in implementing the changes. Watch it here.

Policy brief: New Directions in Mining Governance and the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa (20/11/2020)

This report from the Centre for International Governance Innovation looks at how effective mining governance can help Africa address extreme poverty and sustainable economic growth and decent work. Read it here.

On-line launch of the report “Mind our business: the transformative power of sustainable and inclusive business models” (CONCORD, FTAO and Cooperatives Europe) (01/12/2020)

On-line launch of the report “Mind our business: the transformative power of sustainable and inclusive business models” (CONCORD, FTAO and Cooperatives Europe)

InfoPoint conference: Improving synergies between social protection & public finance management (01/12/2020)

InfoPoint conference on Social Protection

OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear sector (02/02/2021)

Additional information: Annual meeting of stakeholders of the garment and footwear sector to discuss the advancement of the due diligence in the industry.

Community changemakers help Pakistan’s migrant workers avoid exploitation (24/11/2020)

An EU project being implemented by the ILO in Pakistan is raising awareness about safe labour migration among prospective migrant workers.

Consultation on sustainable corporate governance (26/11/2020)

The European Commission is seeking views for a new regulatory framework on sustainable corporate governance. This initiative aims to improve the EU regulatory framework on company law and corporate governance. It would enable companies to focus on long-term sustainable value creation rather than short-term benefits and better align the interests of companies, their shareholders, managers, stakeholders and society.
It is taking place between 26 October 2020 and 08 February 2021. Find out more information here.

Cocoa Barometer launch (01/12/2020)

Cocoa Barometer launch. 1st Dec

Plan bienal de evaluaciones de la Cooperación Española 2021-2022 (15/05/2020)

Este Plan Bienal de Evaluaciones 2021 2022 recoge las evaluaciones de la Ayuda Oficial al Desarrollo previstas y en actual ejecución por parte de la Cooperación Española durante ese periodo de tiempo. El documento pretende ofrecer un acceso unificado a la información, reducir su fragmentación, y fomentar la complementariedad y el trabajo conjunto.

New EU Study on due diligence requirements through the supply chain (15/05/2020)

Read a recently published study on due diligence requirements to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for abuses of human rights, including the rights of the child and fundamental freedoms, serious bodily injury or health risks, environmental damage, including with respect to climate. It was conducted by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Civic Consulting and LSE. Find the study here.

What did you dream of becoming when you were a child? (15/05/2020)

Watch a special video by FAO launched on 12 June 2019 World Day Against Child Labour here which was marked in collaboration with the EU at a dedicated event in Brussels.

The struggle for children’s dignity – Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Mr Kailash Satyarthi, at the EDDs (15/05/2020)

Kailash Satyarthi the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (together with Malala Yousafzai) for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people was interviewed by Capacity4Dev at the EDDs this year, watch the interview here.

New online training on disability in the workplace (15/05/2020)

Take this online training developed by the International Training Centre of the ILO on disability in the workplace designed specifically for employers here.

Assessment of social protection and jobs responses to COVID-19 in real time, by the World Bank, ILO and UNICEF (15/05/2020)

This 'living' paper compiles and monitors information on country-level responses in social protection and labour markets around the world and is updated on a weekly basis. Here.

OECD: COVID-19 and the Food and Agriculture Sector: Issues and Policy Responses (15/05/2020)

The pandemic is having an impact on many areas, however the impact on food security, nutrition and the livelihoods of farmers, fishers and others working along the food supply chain will depend in large part on policy responses. Read the OECD paper here.

Towards universal social protection for children (15/05/2020)

Unicef and the ILO have produced a joint report assessing progress made towards achieving universal social protection for children, SDG target 1.3. For children, social protection takes on a special significance, since the negative effects of poverty and deprivation in childhood have ramifications that can last a lifetime. Read the report here.

What works for working children: Being effective when tackling child labour (15/05/2020)

This report from Terre des Hommes’ describes five different types of intervention to tackling child labour¨ based on the experience of Terre des Hommes and its partners around the world. Find the report here.

Examen des systèmes de protection sociale (15/05/2020)

L’OCDE a lancé une boîte à outils pour examiner les systèmes de protection sociale. L’Examen des systèmes de protection sociale compte parmi les quelques outils permettant d’analyser l’efficacité d’un pays dans la mise en place d’un système de protection sociale répondant aux besoins – tant actuels qu’à venir – de sa population. Trouvez le ici.

New ILO Convention to combat violence and harassment in the world of work adopted (15/05/2020)

A new Convention and accompanying Recommendation to combat violence and harassment in the world of work have been adopted by the International Labour Conference in Geneva in June, read more here.

ILO Report - Work for a brighter future (15/05/2020)

The ILO Global Commission, as part of the ILO’s Future of Work Centenary Initiative, has produced this landmark report on the Future of Work which examines how to achieve a better future of work for all at a time of unprecedented change and exceptional challenges in the world of work. Read it here.

World Employment and Social Outlook (15/05/2020)

New data gathered for the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2019 (WESO) show that a majority of the 3.3 billion people employed globally in 2018 had inadequate economic security, material well-being and equality of opportunity. Read the report here.

World Bank, book: Exploring Universal Basic Income: A Guide to Navigating Concepts, Evidence, and Practices (15/05/2020)

Universal basic income (UBI) is emerging as one of the most hotly debated issues in development and social protection policy. This new book draws from global evidence, literature, and survey data, and provides a framework to elucidate issues and trade-offs in UBI to inform policy choices. Find it here.

Introduction (19/05/2020)

Welcome to the fourth edition of Inclusive Development News, focusing on the topics of employment and social inclusion of the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission.

This edition’s spotlight focuses on the employment and social impacts of COVID-19, which includes an interview with Henriette Geiger, Director, People and Peace, Directorate for International Cooperation and Development.

We also have articles on labour rights in fisheries, a new policy on inequalities, a child labour conference, the outcomes of a workshop exploring job creation through sector and trade policies, a training on how to promote decent work in programming, a story on economic empowerment contributing to peace in Colombia, interesting announcements and publications, and much more!

The impact of COVID-19 on the world of work is the most severe since the Second World War: ILO assessments and possible responses (19/05/2020)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) have published preliminary assessments (March and April) on the impact of COVID-19 on the world of work, reporting increasing unemployment and underemployment, and widening inequalities with a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable. The EU is responding with measures aimed at the most severe economic and social impacts of the crisis.

Ship to Shore Rights– stamping out unacceptable forms of work in Thailand’s fishing and seafood industry (19/05/2020)

An EU-funded ILO project works closely with partners towards the prevention and reduction of unacceptable forms of work in the Thai fishing and seafood processing sectors. This is the story of one fisher, Prak Song.

Updated EU policy to tackle inequalities in developing countries (19/05/2020)

A Commission orientation paper sets out opportunities to better integrate the reduction of inequality into EU development cooperation. Reducing social and economic inequalities is a necessary condition for sustainable poverty reduction and social cohesion, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Accessing a decent job is the main route out of poverty: workshop results on how to create more and better jobs through sector and trade policies (22/05/2020)

A workshop held in Brussels on 9 October brought over 60 practitioners and researchers together to exchange and learn lessons on how informed sector and trade policies can support more and better job creation, and influence policy and programme development.

EU training to strengthening capacities to deliver decent work through EU cooperation in Asia (22/05/2020)

A dedicated training was organised in Bangkok, Thailand, on “Mainstreaming Employment and Decent Work within the existing EU operations”.

The social and solidarity-based economy reintegrating former combatants and building peace in Colombia (22/05/2020)

The European Union is promoting the Colombian peace process through inclusive economic development with the European Union Trust Fund.

Taking next steps: International conference on tackling child labour in global supply chains (22/05/2020)

A conference hosted by the Dutch Government aimed at formulating urgent and practical solutions to tackle child labour in global supply chains as part of the accelerated actions to meet the SDG 8.7 target to eliminate child labour by 2025.

Responding to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 and increasing long-term resilience (22/05/2020)

Interview with Henriette Geiger, Director, People and Peace, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission, an infographic and examples of the EU in action.

Course: IDS course on Social Protection: Policies, Programmes and Evidence (22/06/2020)

Course: IDS course on Social Protection: Policies, Programmes and Evidence

Training course: Employment impact assessment in the time of coronavirus (ITC-ILO) (22/06/2020)

Training course: Employment impact assessment in the time of coronavirus (ITC-ILO)

New Research paper: Perceptions of inequality and social mobility in Mexico (29/05/2020)

As part of the EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities Aurora Ramirez Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Economics at El Colegio de Mexico, has presented this research paper (co-authored with R. M. Campos-Vazquez, A. Krozer, R. De La Torre and R. Velez-Grajales). Read it here.

Course : ITC-ILO Stata for labour market analysis: understanding how to analyze the labour market within the 2030 SDGs indicator framework using Stata software (15/06/2020)

ITC-ILO Stata for labour market analysis: understanding how to analyze the labour market within the 2030 SDGs indicator frameowrk using Stata software. Deadline: 5 June

Webinar: EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities: Inequality in Public Good Provision and Attitude Towards Taxation: Sub-national Evidence from Africa (15/06/2020)

Webinar: EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities: Inequality in Public Good Provision and Attitude Towards Taxation: Sub-national Evidence from Africa

Webinar: EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities: Multidimensional inequality in Western Africa (22/06/2020)

Webinar: EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities: Multidimensional inequality in Western Africa

New ILO report on COVID-19’s impact on child labour and forced labour (29/05/2020)

The report assesses the real impact of COVID-19 on child labour and forced labour and how the ILO is responding and how the international community can contribute to this effort. Read it here.

Call for proposals: The EPRM has a call for proposals for projects seeking to improve the conditions for miners and mining communities working on 3TG in CAHRAs. (15/06/2020)

Call for proposals: The EPRM (European Partnership for Responsible Minerals) has a call for proposals for projects seeking to improve the conditions for miners and mining communities working on tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold (3TG) in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs).

EU, FAO and ILO joint event United to End Child Labour in Agriculture (05/06/2020)

United to End Child Labour in Agriculture, organised by the European Commission, the FAO and ILO, was held on the last World Day Against Child Labour. The Report and related materials are now available.

Introduction (02/07/2019)

Welcome to the third edition of Inclusive Development News, focusing on the topics of employment and social inclusion of the European Union’s International Cooperation and Development.

This edition explores the cross-cutting theme of vulnerability and the potential of employment, women’s economic empowerment, social protection, amongst other topics, to reduce different manifestations of vulnerabilities.

A stitch in time – improving working conditions in the garment sector supply chains (02/07/2019)

The European Commission has developed a set of policies and actions to address decent work and reduce vulnerabilities, making value chains in the garment sector more sustainable – we are now seeing this broad initiative come to fruition.

Working for a healthier future workshop (03/07/2019)

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the European Commission recently organised the workshop, ‘Working for a healthier future’, on promoting sustainable employment in the health sector in developing countries.

Protecting vulnerable workers – insights and knowledge to enhance livelihoods and inclusion in the informal economy (03/07/2019)

The EU funded, Research, Network and Support Facility (RNSF), has recently ended. It has left an impressive body of research on the informal economy that should provide essential insights and policy considerations on this complex development issue for long to come.

Meeting the growing needs of people hit by crisis and shocks– new guidance package on social protection across the humanitarian-development nexus (03/07/2019)

Humanitarian crises are becoming more frequent, severe, complex and protracted. Displacement is occurring on an unprecedented scale. As a result, humanitarian response capacity is stretched while the funding gap is widening. There is increasing recognition that alternative approaches are needed to meet the growing needs of the people heavily hit by crisis and shocks.

Expanding social protection through knowledge and know-how (03/07/2019)

Social protection is a human right, designed to protect individuals and their families. The Social Protection Systems Programme, has been supporting sustainable and inclusive social protection systems.

United to End Child Labour in Agriculture on World Day against Child Labour (03/07/2019)

For World Day against Child Labour on 12 June, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly organised a conference followed by an interactive workshop: United to end child labour in agriculture.

Building EU capacities to support the creation of more and better jobs for youth (03/07/2019)

DEVCO and the International Labour Organization’s International Training Centre (ITCILO) recently organised a training to strengthen EU staffs’ capacities to promote the creation of more inclusive and decent employment, particularly for youth.

Interview with DEVCO Director B, Ms Henriette Geiger (05/07/2019)

Unleashing the transformative power of women at work - improving gender equality, reducing vulnerabilities and building sustainable and inclusive economies and societies.

Strengthening the voice and economic opportunities of vulnerable women from the northeast of Brazil (05/07/2019)

The northeast of Brazil is one of the country’s poorest regions. The population suffers from recurrent droughts and lack of access to water sources and technology. Adaptive technology during periods of droughts is crucial for their survival. Sharing of experiences and best practices among women groups in a solidary and cooperative way is increasing their political and economic empowerment.

New Commission Staff Working Document on Inequalities (05/07/2019)

The Staff Working Document titled: ‘Implementation of the new European Consensus on Development – Addressing inequality in partner countries’, you can find it here. We also have a new dedicated webpage on the topic of inequalities, you can find it here.

New e-learning course on VET launched (05/07/2019)

New e-learning course on VET launched Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a key element of a comprehensive approach to address employment. The overall objective of this new e-training is to improve knowledge among EU staff on VET in developing countries, to better design and support programmes and deepen policy-dialogue. Take the course here.

Promoting accessible communications for people with disabilities (05/07/2019)

Bridging the Gap, the EU funded project managed by DEVCO advancing rights, and inclusive policies and services for persons with disabilities has recently published ‘Inclusive and accessible communication guidelines’, find the guidelines in English here, French here, and Spanish here.

Inclusive Social Protection Systems in sub-Saharan Africa: A regional experts meeting (05/07/2019)

Evidence shows that adequate social protection promotes inclusive growth and increases productivity and employability. This experts meeting has held to gather and share best practices and evidence on how to extend social protection systems, particularly in a context of high informality. Find out more here.

The final Newsletter of the Research, Network and Support Facility is out. (05/07/2019)

It showcases the facilities’ achievements: 9 research volumes, 5 webinars, 3 e-learning courses, 2 books and 1 community of practice. Read it here.

New factsheet: Safe and Fair (05/07/2019)

'Safe and Fair: Realizing the Rights and Opportunities of Women Migrant Workers in the ASEAN Region' (Safe and Fair Project for the Philippines), read it here.

New project launched to protect Haitian migrant workers in the Dominican Republic (05/07/2019)

The binational project, funded by the European Union, involves Haiti and the Dominican Republic to fight against forced labour in the agricultural sector, read more about it here.

Sixty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women (05/07/2019)

The 'sixty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women' took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 11 to 22 March 2019. The priority themes of the session was social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Find out about the session and outcomes here.

World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends for Women 2018 – Global snapshot (05/07/2019)

The report looks at the progress (or lack thereof) made during the past decade and assesses women’s labour market prospects. Read it here.

A quantum leap for gender equality: For a better future of work for all (05/07/2019)

As part of the ILO’s Women at Work Centenary Initiative, the ILO has produced this report that highlights key gender gaps and obstacles to decent work for women. Read it here.

Social Protection System Review (05/07/2019)

The OECD has launched a toolkit to support the establishment of an integrated system facilitates the provision of a social protection floor, whereby individuals are appropriately protected throughout the life cycle. Find it here.

Women in Business and Management: The business case for change (05/07/2019)

A new ILO report surveyed almost 13,000 enterprises in 70 countries. The report shows that gender diversity improves business outcomes, and makes it easier to attract talent. The report makes recommendations for breaking the cycle of gender diversity deficits. Read the report here.

Reducing inequalities: a look at persons with disabilities (10/07/2019)

‘Reducing inequalities: a look at persons with disabilities’, Side Event at the High-level Political Forum, Wednesday, 10 July, UN Headquarters, New York

Disability Equality Training (DET) for EU staff working on external policies (10/09/2019)

Disability Equality Training (DET) for EU staff working on external policies (organised by Bridging the Gap II), 10-11 September, Brussels. Register and find out more on EU Learn

Turning the changing food needs of a rising middle class into decent jobs for rural youth (05/07/2019)

Read an article from the OECD, under the framework of the EU-OECD youth inclusion project, on how to capitalise on the changing food news for decent jobs for rural youth. The article is based on findings from the EU-OECD youth inclusion project. Read it here.

Infographic (09/07/2019)

Women’s economic empowerment - in numbers

Introduction (21/12/2018)

Welcome to the second edition of 'Inclusive Development News', focusing on the topics of employment and social inclusion in the European Union’s International Cooperation and Development.

Making a Difference: An Introduction to Human Rights. (21/12/2018)

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 2018, DEVCO B1 has launched a user-friendly guide developed with the UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe, to contribute to our rights-based approach to sustainable development. Download the guide here.

Introduction to the European Union's International Cooperation and Development policy (21/12/2018)

Read the new publication introducing the EU's international cooperation here.

Eurobarometer (21/12/2018)

Read the latest Eurobarometer on ‘What Europeans have to say about development’, that finds 4 out of 5 EU citizens support private sector in development cooperation, here.

Commissioner Mimica’s message (21/12/2018)

Read Commissioner Mimica’s message for International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the European Disability and Development Week (EDDW) from 3-10 December on Twitter here. Find out more about what happened during EDDW here.

Bridging the Gap: Advancing on the path of inclusion (21/12/2018)

Watch a short video on what the project achieved in 2018, it also describes the project objectives and outcomes to increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities in international cooperation.

Mobility in cities that leave no one behind (21/12/2018)

In the context of European mobility week, an Infopoint lunchtime conference of 20 September put the spotlight on persons with disabilities, who face many barriers to mobility. Safe and inclusive mobility is crucial for sustainable development, especially SDG 11. Watch the video of the conference here.

Income generating activities within VET schools (21/12/2018)

Read the final report from our workshop on ‘Income generating activities within VET schools’ here.

The Price of Free (21/12/2018)

Watch the film, The Price of Free, of Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s journey to liberate every child from slavery. You can watch it free on Youtube here.

Employment Manual (21/12/2018)

The first volume of the Employment Manual: Promoting employment and decent work in development cooperation, Concepts and foundations, find it here. The second volume on operational guidance will come soon.

ILO Report (21/12/2018)

Ending child labour by 2025: A review of policies and programmes.

ILO Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers – Results and Methodology (21/12/2018)

This report maps the current state of labour migration and the key characteristics of migrant workers in the world today.

Spotting Export Potential and Implications for Employment in Developing Countries (21/12/2018)

Access to information about untapped export opportunities at the sectoral and product levels can help governments design policies and strategies that use export development as a means to foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

DPLF Manual para defender los derechos de los pueblos indígenas y tribales (21/12/2018)

Available only in Spanish

AFRO Barometer - PP51 (21/12/2018)

Taking stock: Citizen priorities and assessments three years into the SDGs

ILO - Improving Impact Assessment of the Effects of Trade on Employment (21/12/2018)

Study on Qualitative and Mixed Method Approaches.

Reducing inequalities – a sustainable development challenge (02/01/2019)

An initiative of the European Commission seeks to enhance knowledge and understanding of economic and social inequalities in order to better respond to this complex development challenge.

Inclusive jobs and sustainable growth agenda: fundamental to human development (02/01/2019)

Interview with Marjeta Jager, Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Development.

Child Labour in the Cocoa sector: workshop report (02/01/2019)

In West Africa, more than two million children work in cocoa plantations. The European Commission gathered stakeholders at a workshop and produced a report with presentations, discussions and recommendations that is now available online.

CASESTUDY: Greater economic and employment opportunities brought about by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (02/01/2019)

The EU Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa, aims to increase economic and employment opportunities and inclusion for youth and vulnerable groups.

EU staff seminar on social protection (internal) (22/01/2019)

Our EU staff seminar on social protection is ready for registration

Joint Global Conference on Universal Social Protection (USP 2030) (05/02/2019)

Back-to-back with the Universal Child Grant Conference (UCG) (6-8 Feb).

European Development Days (18/06/2019)

European Development Days

Universal Child Grant Conference (UCG) (06/02/2019)

Universal Child Grant Conference

SOCIEUX+ is increasing social protection and employment worldwide (02/01/2019)

SOCIEUX+ supports governments in partner countries to improve their employment policies and to better design and manage their social protection systems. There are actions coming to fruition in Cambodia, Mexico, Cameroon and Peru, among others.

VET Toolbox – Call for proposals to improve employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups through vocational education and training (VET) (02/01/2019)

Deadline to apply is 15 February 2019.
The VET Toolbox promotes demand driven and inclusive vocational education and training by working with partner countries to strengthen their capacity to implement VET and labour market reforms, enhancing labour market relevance and employability for all.

Clear Cotton project seeks to halt child labour in cotton production in Burkina Faso, Mali and Pakistan (02/01/2019)

A new four-year project supported by the EU kicked-off in Brussels, bringing together key stakeholders, vowing to make cotton production sustainable, free from child and forced labour.

Shedding light on invisible workers in east Africa and the DRC (02/01/2019)

A regional project in five African countries, co funded by the EU and jointly implemented by 14 government and civil society organisations, interviewed 22 000 domestic workers and their employers. Through advocacy campaigns, governments agreed to legalize and integrate millions of domestic workers in accordance with ILO Conventions.

Navigating Indigenous Views (02/01/2019)

370 million people in over 90 countries identify themselves as being indigenous. They represent humanity in all its diversity but they all have in common the fact that they are the most excluded, discriminated, threatened and often the poorest communities worldwide. The EU is supporting tools and initiatives to understand better indigenous peoples needs in order for them to claim their rights and not be left behind.

Youth Employment (02/01/2019)

There are 1.8 billion young people aged 15-29 in the world today. Most have to contend with a precarious labour market, with the prevalence of unemployment, underemployment and informal jobs. If these young people are to successfully transition into adulthood, with secure livelihoods, youth and especially youth employment must be a key priority of the development agenda.

Round Table for Policy Makers - Forum on due diligence in the garment and footwear sector (12/02/2019)

Forum on due diligence in the garment and footwear sector

Workshop 'The Future of Work' (19/03/2019)

Workshop The Future of Work

2018 Report on the World Social Situation (16/01/2019)

Few countries have been able to reduce poverty and improve living conditions on a broad scale without comprehensive social protection systems in place.

Legislating for Disability Rights - Webinar (17/01/2019)

Bridging the Gap II organises a 12-session webinar-based training cycle. The English Session on 1 February is open for registration here, The French session on 30 January here, and the Spanish version on 1 February here.

Legislating for Disability Rights - Webinar (01/02/2019)

Legislating for Disability Rights - Webinar

Légiférer pour les droits des personnes handicapées - Webinar (30/01/2019)

Légiférer pour les droits des personnes handicapées

Legislar por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad - Webinar (01/02/2019)

Legislar por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad

SOCIEUX+ continues to share know-how on social protection, labour and employment (26/04/2018)

SOCIEUX+ supports governments in partner countries to improve their employment and labour policies and to better design and manage their social protection systems.

"Employment and social inclusion provide dignity for the individual, stability for the family and peace for the community" (22/06/2017)

Interview with Neven Mimica on the topic of Employment and Social Inclusion.

Measuring social protection performance in the context of the SDGs (26/04/2018)

A European Commission Concept Paper provides a critical review of measuring social protection outcomes in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Test your knowledge (05/06/2018)

See how well you do in answering some questions about employment and social inclusion

Introduction (05/06/2018)

Welcome to the first edition of the "Inclusive Development" Newsletter, focusing on the topics of employment and social inclusion in the European Union’s International Cooperation and Development.

Social protection – a game changer for shock preparedness and response (20/07/2017)

Interview with the former acting Director of People and Peace Directorate and Head of Unit 'Gender Equality, Human Rights and Democratic Governance', Jean-Louis Ville.

Case Study: Social cash transfers are helping communities withstand emergencies in Malawi (15/05/2018)

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. It is also prone to recurring emergencies, caused predominantly by climate risks. The EU, through a new programme is building resilience and transforming people’s lives in the face of multiple and severe shocks.

Infographic (05/06/2018)

Infographic depicting some key figures on social protection as an instrument for emergency contexts.

Solving the big development challenges, a new guide on promoting employment and decent work (15/05/2018)

DG DEVCO has published a must have manual for development actors working to facilitate the creation of productive employment and promote decent work.

A new VET Toolbox promotes demand driven and inclusive vocational education and training (15/05/2018)

The European Union has launched the VET Toolbox aimed at strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems in developing countries. The VET Toolbox supports labour market analysis and offers practical advice on strengthening the links between VET and the private sector, making VET more effective and relevant, including for those most in need.

Advancing a disability-inclusive development agenda by "Bridging the Gap" (15/05/2018)

Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica officially launched a new “ground-breaking project” Bridging the Gap, together with a wide-range of partners. Bridging the Gap is focused on translating the EU’s commitment for the inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities into practice.

Cocoa, an unsavoury sweet? (15/05/2018)

DG DEVCO gathered key stakeholders to assess progress, practices and challenges to eradicate child labour from cocoa production and value chains in Brussels.

Child labour lunchtime conference on the World Day Against Child Labour (12/06/2018)

Conference

Informal Economy and Inequalities - International event (17/10/2018)

Informal Economy and Inequalities (international event), 17 October 2018

Launch of the Child Labour and Forced Labour in Cotton and Garment Value chains (20/11/2018)

Launch of the Child Labour and Forced Labour in Cotton and Garment Value chains, 20 November 2018.

Protecting African Domestic Workers - Using surveys to integrate vulnerable populations (13/06/2018)

Protecting African Domestic Workers - Using surveys to integrate vulnerable populations

Bridging the Gap: European commitment to data collection and use for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities (14/06/2018)

Bridging the Gap: European commitment to data collection and use for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities