This report summarises the main activities undertaken by the ICEM, its secretariat and staff, since our 2nd Congress in November 1999 up to the end of May 2003. During this time the international trade union movement and our members have been confronted by the most rapid and fundamental political, economic and social change across the world.

These include:

· The impact of Globalisation on workers both in developed and developing countries, and the failure of the global community to adequately deal with continuing inequality, social injustice and poverty.

· The continuing struggle of workers and their unions through the political, economic and social transition in the ex-CIS countries.

· The emergence of a single global super-power and the threat this poses to world order, including undermining the effectiveness of the United Nations and other intergovernmental organisations.

· The tragic effect of war, conflict and terrorism.

· The global consequences of disease, including HIV/AIDS and SARS.