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The President of the Republic spoke at a globalization forum in New York20.09.2004
President Arnold Rüütel today in New York at the UN Headquarters participated in the follow-up discussion on the Report of the ILO World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization "A Fair Globalization: Creating Opportunities for All" initiated by Finland and Tanzania.
According to the Estonian Head of State, in the globalization as a whole, positive aspects prevailed over negative aspects but the development had not been even and balanced. In the President's judgement, globalization had also caused new social and environmental problems and, therefore, we had to attach more importance to sustainable development.
"Globalization must continue taking account of the problems of weaker, less developed societies. Only in this case will all, that means billions of people, benefit from it. Estonia has shared its experience with developing countries and countries in transition (first of all Eastern European and the Balkans countries) assisting them to prepare for WTO membership," President Rüütel said.
The President of the Republic also highlighted the need to improve the access of individuals to information and communication channels. "The access of individuals to constantly changing opportunities of developing information society plays an important role in making the benefits of globalization accessible to the people living in less developed areas. A change in interstate relations is a prerequisite of more even distribution of benefits derived from globalization, first of all, replacement of egoistic self-interest of each country with the spirit of seeking balanced solutions, which place the global cohesion in the forefront. Such even distribution would create opportunities to enhance the well-being for billions of people and would also strengthen global stability and peace,2 told President Rüütel.
Also UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for making better use of the opportunities concomitant with globalization. French President Jacques Chirac emphasized the need for promoting social dialogue at world level in order to make globalization more ethical and equitable. Among others, the Presidents of Finland, Tanzania, Brazil, Peru, Algeria and Chile, as well as the Ambassador of the Netherlands, the country holding the EU Presidency, made contributions to the discussion.
According to the Estonian stance, there is a need for a more efficient and transparent multilateral system, where the voice of each country would be better heard. It is essential that the organisation of work in international organisations would be clearer and more open, which enabled all members to enjoy equal participation and say in decision making and in conclusion of international agreements. It is equally important to continue the work with further liberalisation of economy and elimination of unfair trade barriers, which is one of the prerequisites extending the positive aspects of world economic development also to developing countries.
As laid down in "Estonia's Principles for Development Cooperation" approved by the Riigikogu on 15 January 2003, Estonia shares the view that each country itself bears the main responsibility for its development. Estonia's financial contribution to international development cooperation currently equals to 0,02% of its GDP.
The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization was in 2002 created by the International Labour Organisation. The Commission has been co-chaired by the President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, and the President of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa. The report of the Commission "A Fair Globalization: Creating Opportunities for All", presented on 24 February 2004, in ILO's assessment was the first attempt to address systematically and comprehensively the social aspects of globalization.
The report contends that public debate and international negotiations on globalization were deadlocked and international development commitments went largely unfulfilled. The authors of the report believe, however, that the benefits of globalization can be extended to more people and better shared between and within countries, with many more voices having an influence on its course. The report attaching importance to a strong social dimension based on respect for human rights and individual dignity makes proposals for reforms to be implemented at the global level and words values crucial to their success.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 20, 2004
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