World Day of Social Justice 2024; February 20th.

FORUM: "Global Coalition for Social Justice: Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances." World Day of Social Justice 2024. The theme this year provides an opportunity to foster dialogue on actions needed to achieve social justice by strengthening the social contract that has been fractured by rising inequalities, conflicts and weakened institutions that are meant to uphold and protect the rights of workers. As we have passed the half-way milestone towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, we must redouble our efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all by focusing on the four interrelated and interdependent dimensions of social justice: universal human rights and capabilities include, which include among others, access to an adequate standard of living, education, healthcare and social security; equal access to opportunities for employment and productive activity that enable people to pursue their material well-being in conditions of economic security; fair distribution outcomes including a just share of the benefits of economic growth, with attention to the most disadvantaged or vulnerable in society; and just transitions on the significant transformations affect people’s well-being over time, which include transformations associated with globalization, technological, demographic, environmental and other transformations, and compounding crises.

By focusing on bridging gaps and building alliances in support of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, we can ensure the promise of enabling our societies and economies to function more cohesively and effectively; unlock the productive potential of countries and people; pave the way for sustained reductions in poverty and inequality – prerequisites for inclusive growth; and contribute to peace, stability and inter-generational solidarity.

• Key Questions for Discussion: 1. In the context of SIDS4, LLDC3, and the Summit of the Future, what specific actions and policy initiatives can be proposed or enhanced to tackle structural inequalities that impede the achievement of the SDGs, including the decent work issues facing the people who are expected to deliver them?
• Key Questions for Discussion: 2. How can social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers be central to recovery efforts and future economic policies, ensuring decent work and social justice remain priorities?
• Key Questions for Discussion: 3. In the face of worsening global unemployment and increasing numbers of workers in poverty, what strategies and collaborative approaches should be taken to bridge gaps and create economic opportunities (that uplift workers globally)?
• Key Questions for Discussion: 4. How can Member States strengthen their commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration's pledge during negotiations for SIDS4, LLDC3, the Summit of the Future, and the World Social Summit?
• Key Questions for Discussion: 5. How can we reinforce the role international cooperation instruments, regional productivity initiatives, and multilateral development funds play in addressing structural issues that hinder the creation of decent and secure jobs globally, especially in the most fragile economies?

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #20February, #SocialJusticeDay.

EVENTS: On February 20th, from 1:30-2:30 PM. (EST) Room TBC at UNHQ. The International Labour Organization (ILO) brings together leading figures from academia, politics and the world of work with the ILO Director-General to discuss how to advance social justice in the world. The conference will be held by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

PANEL DISCUSSION: "Global Coalition for Social Justice: Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances". In support of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at intensifying collective efforts to urgently address social justice deficits and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Decent Work Agenda, the 2024 commemorative event will highlight the crucial role of international collaboration and solidarity in addressing social justice within the framework of multilateralism. Moreover, it will be a timely opportunity to emphasize the prioritization of social justice at key intergovernmental milestones of the United Nations this year. This includes the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the Summit of the Future, as well as preparations for the World Social Summit. Get the agenda Programme and Watch the Commemorative Event.

STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Day of Social Justice 2024; February 20th and the Statement of the ILO Director General on World Day of Social Justice 2024; February 20th.

PUBLICATIONS: World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2024.