APEC ministers release joint statement on human resources development
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Devote priority attention to maintaining and expanding employment and adopt employment-oriented macroeconomic policies;
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Improve social safety nets and reinforce social protection and employment assistance for vulnerable groups;
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Enhance human capacity building and prepare the workforce to revitalize economic growth; and
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Promote economic and technical cooperation in the field of human resources development among APEC economies.
The statement follows the meeting of Ministers in Beijing under the theme "Developing Human Resources, Vigorously Promoting Employment and Realizing Inclusive Growth."
APEC Ministers pledged to give more attention to employment intensive growth and called for consideration of policies which strengthen employability, productivity and labor force participation.
They also recognized the challenges facing member economies and the role that social safety nets play in stabilizing disruptions in the market and contributing to labor mobility and job creation.
Ministers pledged to pay particular attention to the needs of new labor entrants, vulnerable groups and the requirements of entrepreneurship training. Attention will be given to the demand for new skills. APEC economies will strengthen training programs to prepare the workforce for new jobs, particularly those opportunities presented by green growth.
Ministers agreed to carry out the Leaders' priorities to put job creation at the heart of its economic strategy and enhance cooperation to address the social implications of globalization and advance the APEC inclusive growth agenda by improved and innovative human resources development responses and policies.
Recognizing the role that human resources development plays in achieving inclusive growth, Ministers set the priority to create more and better jobs, improve social safety nets and enhance education and training.
Ministers recognized the importance of policy coordination and agreed to convene a Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting by 2014. They also agreed on the Action Plan and the APEC Skills Development Promotion Project as a blueprint for a multi-year program for the Human Resources Development Working Group.
Ministers' recommendations will be submitted to APEC Economic Leaders when they meet on November 13-14 in Yokohama, Japan.