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World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit spoke on the future of work at an event held on 25 February in Geneva commemorating the centenary of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Tveit and other speakers were reflecting on the theme “Rethinking Labour and the Future of Work - An Interreligious Perspective.”
Tveit spoke specifically on new challenges to ecumenical social thought and action. “Member churches of the WCC share the basic conviction that human dignity comes first,” Tveit said.
“Humility and commitment must go together -none of us can solve the challenges of the world alone. Praying and walking together must also be working together. For a world of decent work for all”.
Our vision of the human family needs to determine our understanding of the functioning of the economy, Tveit continued. “Labor for us is an essential expression of being human and a way that people can contribute to the common good of the society and sustain the web of life on our planet, the earth,” he said. ”The human person comes first and only then the interest of capital and the needs of production and commerce”.
In line with the interreligious perspective of the event Tveit commented: “The Bible and other faith traditions have something to say.They give a vision of what it means to be human. This is what really counts and what gets often lost when economic or technological considerations dominate”.
“Universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based on social justice and work is a principal instrument of that quest” director-general of ILO Guy Ryder stated as he emphasized on the fundamental nature of ILO`s work as a value based organization.
Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, permanent observer of the Holy See, reflected on the challenges of the times: “Invest in people and then we will create a wealthier and more just society, in which persons will find by their work their complete identity, the fulfilment of their aspirations and the efficacy of their talents”.
