Baldoz named UN commissioner on health, economic growth

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations has named Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz as commissioner of the UN commission on health and economic growth.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Baldoz has accepted the position and was on her way to France for the first meeting of the UN body today.

Baldoz said the body is tasked to make proposals that would serve as a guide for the creation of jobs in the health and social sectors, focusing on the needs of low-and middle-income countries.

“The commission will present multi-sectoral responses to ensure that investments in health employment generate benefits across the sustainable development goals,” Baldoz said.

“I look forward to the presentation of the recommendations of the commission to the UN secretary general at the conclusion of its work in September this year,” she added.

Labor Undersecretary Nicon Fameronag said Baldoz would bring to the multi-sectoral commission a wealth of experience and prestige as a labor diplomat.

“She will bring honor to the country, even as she was selected as an individual expert rather than country representative,” Fameronag said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon earlier announced the creation of a Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth, which is co-chaired by French President François Hollande and South African President Jacob Zuma.

Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, will serve as the commission’s co-vice chairperson along with Angel Gurría, secretary general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Guy Ryder, director general of the International Labor Organization.

Baldoz said the global economy is projected to create around 40 million new jobs in the health sector by 2030, mostly in middle- and high-income countries, but there would be an estimated shortage of 18 million health workers for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in low- and lower-middle income countries.   

“The rising demand and the projected shortfall of health workers over the next 15 years present significant challenges as well as opportunities in areas where decent jobs are most needed. As commissioner, I hope to be in the forefront in addressing the challenges and channeling the opportunities to advance inclusive growth,” Baldoz said.