Kevin Rowan column

Sep 12 2005 By Kevin Rowan, The Journal

Can we really tackle global poverty? I was pleased to hear a radio advert last week suggesting that one of the key aims of the UK's presidency of the European Union will be to work towards this.

The current Labour Government's contribution to this challenge has, in my view, been one of their most unsung areas of success.

Later this week the United Nations will be holding a world summit, including a review of progress towards Millennium Development Goals, targets established to alleviate rank inequality in the world. It is in these arenas that our Government's resolve is really tested.

The Edinburgh summit recommitted the world's richest nations to donate 0.7% of their gross domestic product (GDP) in overseas development aid, but there remains a considerable gap between that figure and what is actually given, while many developing countries are still restricted in their development by crippling debt repayments to those same countries. Aid and debt relief are key campaign aims of the Make Poverty History campaign that held its second `white band day' on Saturday. These are key instruments for improving the economic infrastructure, enabling countries to invest in services such as water, sanitation, environmental management, social infrastructure, health and education.

For most people in the North-East, however, globalisation is often understood as jobs leaving the developed world to relocate in poorer countries where workers are paid much less than here and standards are much lower.

The real beneficiaries are the multinational corporations who enjoy greatly increased profits at the expense of working people in both the developed and the developing world.

That is why, further to the existing development goals, trade unions believe there must be an additional target, that of `decent work'.

This world summit must recognise that GDP and other macroeconomic measures do not automatically mean an end to poverty. Income inequality and extremes of poverty can still remain while GDP increases.

What is needed is `fair globalisation', development underpinned by labour market regulation that provides for decent work as well as equality and effective income distribution mechanisms.

Kevin Rowan is regional secretary of the Northern TUC