Confronting with the dawn of the 21st Century, in the ever on-going trends toward globalization, there is a growing sense of urgency among the corporations to set up the standards and the criteria on business ethics. Alongside this movement, international organizations as well have been taking new steps in the field of labour.

For example, ILO adopted the "Convention concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Prohibition and Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour" which declare the prohibition and elimination of the child labour which is likely to harm the health, safety and morals of the children. And also, the OECD guidelines for multi-national enterprises which was revised this year included the additional clarification on the elimination of the child labour and forced labour. These guidelines were revised to respond to the shared concerns among the people on the liberalization of the trades and investments and the economic globalization.

Reflecting these trends, we have organized this symposium to address mainly the problem of child labour, which is widely acknowledged by the western countries. At this symposium, we would like to provide the opportunity for representatives from ILO, OECD and participants from government, business and from a wide section of civil society to discuss the way the corporations should aim to in the globalized society of 21st century.

We would be awaiting for your participation.