Top speakers announced for Employment Week 2007

Employment Week 2007, the annual event which attracts all the key EU stakeholders in the employment debate, is pleased to announce a range of prestigious speakers at this yearís conference. The high-level event will take place at the Management Centre Europe in Brussels on 5-6 June and is expected to welcome 1,000 attendees from across Europe.

This yearís conference has strong representation from a diverse range of organisations including: the European Commission; the European Parliament; key EU and national bodies; employers; social partners; academic institutions; and NGOs. Nikolaus van der Pas, Director General of Employment at the European Commission will open the conference and Vladimr äpidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities at the European Commission, will close the first day by presenting the challenges and policies for a larger Europe.

For the first time the private sector features extensively during the two days with some of the biggest corporations and employers in Europe speaking at the event. Directors from Toyota Motor Europe, Air France, McDonalds, Dow Chemicals and Volvo will analyse key issues in the work place including work-life balance, flexicurity, talent management, diversity and job quality. These experts will also present on hot topics affecting the labour market including job creation, regional restructuring and the effect of the environment on jobs, to name a few.

Employment Week, now in its 14th year, is well-recognised by all those with a commitment to help improve the socio-economic future of Europe through better employment opportunities. The event is supported by a steering group, made up of the following organisations: European Commission; Economic and Social Committee; Committee of the Regions; European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions; CEDEFOP; CEEP; Platform of Social NGOs; Eurocities; REVES -European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy; and WAPES - World Association of Public Employment Services. In addition, Euractiv has been appointed as knowledge partners providing a unique contribution to the event planning and promotional activities.

Stephanie Pothier, Employment Week 2007 Event Manager, said, Weíre delighted to be hosting the 14th Employment Week in Brussels. The event is firmly on the calendar of all those committed to improving employment opportunities for the citizens of Europe. We look forward to welcoming our distinguished speakers this June and are excited to hear their views and insights on the future developments in European employment through this varied and packed conference program.

An exhibition running alongside the conference will analyse and showcase best practice examples within the framework of ESF projects. It will present the most proactive EU agencies and other national public bodies involved in job creation. The exhibition and conference will together provide delegates with many opportunities to network with key-decision makers and influencers in this complex policy area.