Globalisation, changes in social values, attitudes and behaviours, the technological revolution creating the information society, are deeply changing living and working conditions.

With globalisation we have a great increase of world trade, productivity and technological innovation. But, at the same time, we have an increase in poverty, unemployment and inequalities, in developed and less developed countries.

We need changes. It is necessary to regulate globalisation. This means a new role for international organisations like the United Nations, democratisation of the World Trade Organisation and strong regional organisations with common economic and social policies.

We need to impose respect for fundamental workers’ rights as established by ILO Conventions, the social clause, respect for the environment, and for democratic societies where civil society organisations participate openly and meaningfully.

Cooperation in trade union education

Trade Unions have a fundamental role. The UGT, with the support of the international associations to which it is affiliated (ETUC, ICFTU and TUAC) is strongly engaged in the fight for the social clause and for the social dimension of the European Union.

Each of us has a role to play. In UGT we are strongly engaged in building international solidarity, namely with Latin America and African countries. In the trade union community of Portuguese Language Countries, chaired by the UGT, we are cooperating in education and building an Internet network. Presently, UGT participates in a cooperative education programme with eight trade unions from five African countries.

Six of these organisations are affiliated to IFWEA. We are trying to begin an International Study Circle project on globalisation and the rights of emigrated workers. A Portuguese-speaking ISC will run alongside an ISC conducted in English dealing with the same issues.

Capacity building and education

In the future, globalisation can continue to be an instrument for neo-liberal policies, with increased power for multinational companies and bigger exploitation of workers. But it can also be totally different, as an instrument to build a more developed world based on solidarity between people. It depends on us, and our capacity to fight for our rights.

Our capacity is strongly dependent on educational activities, particularly in trade union education and professional training. All workers need access to education and training, and to the information and knowledge society.

We must refuse to allow the emergence of a dual society where there will be workers marginalised from employment and knowledge. We must fight against info-exclusion, and the limited access granted to workers to the internet society.

We need strong trade unions at a national and international level and to build a network of organisations engaged in campaigning for equality of opportunities, sustainable development, and full employment.

It is in our hands to build a better future.