SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS MANDATES .

On the theme of

EMPLOYMENT

Plan of Action Third Summit of the Americas, Quebec Canada:

“Promote equal employment opportunities and improve working conditions for people in all countries in the region, with special attention to people belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, and other vulnerable persons”. “Collaborate with employers and labor organizations to develop and generate information on labor markets; participate in dialogue; and adopt ongoing strategies and programs as a core element for professional development . “Continue to work towards the elimination of child labor, and as a priority, promote the hemispheric ratification and implementation of the ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention, 1999 (No. 182)” “Promote and protect the rights of all workers, in particular those of working women, and take action to remove structural and legal barriers as well as stereotypical attitudes to gender equality at work”. Special Summit of the Américas, Monterrey, Mexico: Heads of State and Government gathered at the Special Summit of the Americas on January 12 – 13, 2004 agreed to To continue to implement public policies that stimulate greater domestic savings, meet the need for the creation of productive jobs, and contribute to greater social inclusion. They recognized that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises constitute a fundamental component for economic growth, employment creation, and poverty reduction in our countries. So, they decided to continue supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through policies and programs that facilitate their consolidation and incorporation into the formal sector, allow their effective access to markets, and promote training of human resources, and facilitate access to credit, business development services, and new technologies.

“It is certain that we need to create suitable climates to attract capital investment in our countries, to be able to grow, to generate employment, to generate income and to reduce poverty. In doing so we would calm the troubling social climate in the region. ” Remarks by President of Peru, Alejandro Toledo, during the working session of the Special Summit of the Americas.

Monterrey, Mexico January 13^th 2004.