As we welcome the New Year, we reflect on the past year’s challenges and remain committed to creating a better future for all workers. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has recently emphasised the principles of “common security”, which asserts that true security cannot be achieved in isolation, but rather depends on the stability and security of all nations. Unlike traditional models based solely on military strength, common security stresses cooperation, mutual respect, and addressing shared threats to build sustainable peace.
This concept, rooted in the Cold War era and developed by the Palme Commission, was a response to the dangers of nuclear arms races and mutual destruction. The vision behind common security was clear: security should never come at the expense of others. Countries must work together to prevent conflicts, reduce arms, and tackle the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, human rights violations, environmental degradation, and economic inequality.
The foundation of our shared efforts in international peace and workers’ rights dates back to the Treaty of Versailles, which established both the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO). While the League faltered and ultimately ended with the outbreak of World War II, the ILO has endured for over a century, steadfastly working to protect workers’ rights and livelihoods. Throughout history, including during the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War, the ILO has shown resilience, harnessing the power of labour standards to address the root causes of conflict: unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
Today, in an era when the rule of law and peacebuilding are central to international development, the ILO’s commitment to legal development within the field of labour is more relevant than ever. Imagine a world where every ILO member state has ratified and fully implemented all ILO Conventions that are relevant to the workers of their respective countries. Workers’ basic rights will be protected, working conditions will vastly improve, gender equality will be promoted, and inclusion will be upheld. The ratification and implementation of ILO Conventions can be important and effective tools that contribute to eradicating poverty and addressing inequality by ensuring that workers live a life of dignity.
Moreover, recognising that wars and conflicts stem from systemic issues, labour protection policies alone are insufficient. They must be complemented by broader policies and programmes that prioritise peace and planet- and people-centred development over profit, militarism, and war. For instance, reducing military expenditures is imperative to free up fiscal resources for investments in human development, environmental protection, and women’s empowerment. Achieving this will require coherent and progressive policy measures that advance fiscal, tax, debt, gender, and climate justice.
In societies where citizens are free from present frustrations and future anxieties, a healthy democracy becomes not only possible but sustainable. When people have access to decent jobs, quality education, healthcare, and social protections, their sense of security and agency is strengthened, reducing the appeal of populist leaders or those who resort to coercion or divisive rhetoric to power.
A thriving democracy fosters inclusivity, where diverse voices are heard, and public trust in institutions is restored. Economic and social stability encourages dialogue and consensus-building rather than polarisation and conflict. In this regard, trade unions’ experience in social dialogue and representing the diversity of working people play a critical role. As the conditions that fuel desperation—such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities—are addressed, the conditions fuelling conflict, confrontation, and war would diminish significantly.
Now imagine a world where even the most powerful leaders—whether in the United States, Russia, or China—are genuinely committed to protecting peoples’ rights and dignity rather than competing for military strengths. While this vision may seem like an ideal, perhaps even a dream, trade unions, as social justice warriors, have both the power and responsibility to bring us a step closer to making it a reality.
Let us enter this new year with a renewed dedication to building a fairer, more secure world for all workers.
In solidarity,
Shoya Yoshida
General Secretary
ITUC-Asia Pacific
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