- 44 - 7. We recall the Ottawa Declaration of the XII Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor, held in Canada in October 2001, in which we emphasized our commitment to create more and better employment as an effective means of combating poverty in the region. At that meeting, we approved a Plan of Action that created two Working Groups: one to examine the social and labor dimensions of the Summit of the Americas process, and the other to find ways to build the capacity of Ministries of Labor and institutions to more effectively implement labor legislation and better carry out their mission. 8. We follow attentively the development of the different processes of regional and subregional integration as well as of bi- and multilateral free trade agreements that are implemented in the Hemisphere, as well as their social and labor impacts. Likewise, we observe that each of those processes has generated instruments for promoting development of the social and labor dimension, according to the characteristics, traditions and will of the participant states and the level of participation of the national and regional social actors. In this sense, we recognize the existence of specific and sensitive labor problems in these processes that may require the adoption of appropriate policies that facilitate harmonious hemispheric integration, in accordance with the priority demanded by each specific situation. 9. We reaffirm our commitment to the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of the International Labor Organization (ILO), which provides the foundation for broad-based sustainable development and social justice through full respect for the internationally recognized fundamental labor rights. We recall the agreement of our leaders to adopt and implement legislation and policies that provide for the effective application of the labor principles and rights recognized in the Declaration. 10. We reaffirm our conviction that decent work, as conceived by the ILO leadership, is the most effective instrument for the improvement of living conditions for the peoples of our Hemisphere and their participation in the benefits of material and human progress. We embrace the idea that decent work is necessary for sustainable development in each of our countries, and is a condition for the success of hemispheric economic integration. For that reason, the agenda for decent work should become the axis for national and regional development policies, together with investment in health, education, and culture. In addition, we reaffirm our commitment to integrate the gender perspective in the development and implementation of all labor policies. 11. We recall that respect for the principles and rights recognized in the ILO Declaration and the promotion of decent work as foundations for inclusive globalization were central themes of the discussion agenda during the Fifteenth American Regional Meeting held in Lima, Peru, in December 2002. 12. We have viewed with great interest the activities carried out in the region by the ILO World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization and we look forward to reviewing its final report. 13. We note with concern that the adverse economic situation in many of our countries, the slowing of growth in the world economy, and the reduction in social investment have had negative effects on the education, health, welfare, and living conditions of the working population, their families, and the community. In many places, increased unemployment, the deterioration of