Open Working Group, 5th Session Co-Chairs’ Summary bullet points

The Open Working Group concluded its 5^th Session (OWG-5) on Wednesday 27 November. Its discussions had focused on sustainable and inclusive economic growth, macroeconomic policy questions (including international trade, international financial system and external debt sustainability) and infrastructure development and industrialization and on energy.

The discussions were heavily focused on economic growth, although some countries referred specifically to social perspectives and social inclusion. For example Turkey, also speaking on behalf of Italy and Spain, made reference to the importance of social policies particularly labour market policies. In this context, government can improve growth potential and inclusiveness by focusing on education policies that will increase the quality of the labour force. Social policies should be formed taking into account positive discrimination to increase the social inclusion of the disadvantaged groups, women and youth. In addition, the United Kingdom, also speaking on behalf of Australia and the Netherlands said that promoting gender equality will increase economic growth and that women’s economic opportunities are associated with reduced poverty, faster growth and better economic, health and educational outcomes for the next generation. Therefore, women’s economic leadership and empowerment should be supported and violence against women addressed. This in turn will ensure the removal of barriers that prevent women from productive employment, access to assets and financial services and taking forward business opportunities. 

There were also references in the discussion following the presentations on energy, to the benefits of electricity and clean cooking fuels for women and children, which are reflected in the Co-Chairs’ Summary bullet points.