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The International Labour Organization facing the UN Conference on the Human Environment (1968-1978)

Author

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  • Federico Paolini

    (Università di Macerata)

Abstract

This essay deals with the debate within the International Labour Organization regarding the accession in the Conference on the Human Environment that was proposed by the U.N. General Assembly at its twenty-third session on December 3, 1968. The purpose of this work is to provide a small contribution to reflection on the complex relationships between social stakeholders involved in labour and the problems posed by environmental changes. The call for a conference on the “human environment” sparked a heated debate within the ILO as it took place at a time of profound inequalities deeply dividing the third of humanity living in the industrialized countries from the other two thirds who lived in developing and underdeveloped ones. Through the official documents produced by the ILO the debate is analyzed, which appears to be characterized by two polarizations: the first cleaved a small vanguard of countries from all the other Member States; the second fuelled divisions between employers and workers who – although concerned that awareness of environmental problems could slow down the pace of economic growth – were more in favour of a discussion on the environmental issues affecting the living and working environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Federico Paolini, 2022. "The International Labour Organization facing the UN Conference on the Human Environment (1968-1978)," Annals of the Fondazione Luigi Einaudi. An Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics, History and Political Science, Fondazione Luigi Einaudi, Torino (Italy), vol. 56(2), pages 53-72, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:fle:journl:v:56:y:2022:i:2:p:53-72
    DOI: 10.26331/1196
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Engfeldt, Lars-Goran, 1973. "The United Nations and the Human Environment – Some Experiences," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 27(3), pages 393-412, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International Labour Organization; Human environment; Stockholm conference; Labour Environment Relations.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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