While the international community has made a commitment to achieving full employment and decent work for all, this goal seems ever more distant in view of recent trends. Revisiting some familiar terrain with new lenses, this book breaks new ground in seeking fresh solutions. Employment creation is the key link in ensuring that economic growth contributes to poverty reduction, with management of technological change crucial. While the recent trend towards greater labor flexibility seems irresistible, recent experience suggests some options for also ensuring decent work and economic security. Although recent financial liberalization has exacerbated employment problems, alternative macroeconomic policy priorities can make a difference. New approaches to social security, the informal economy, the welfare state and rural employment in Africa are explored.

Jomo K. S. is Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development based in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations Secretariat. José Antonio Ocampo is Under-Secretary General for the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in the United Nations Secretariat.