Purpose: The World Social Justice Day is observed on 20 February to commemorate and urge all efforts to combat unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations and that, in turn, social development and social justice cannot be attained in the absence of peace and security, or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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 intergenerational 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.
PODCASTS : More than 60% of the world's employed population, that is 2 billion women, men and youth, earn their livelihoods in the informal economy. Informal workers often lack any form of social protection and are twice as likely to be poor compared to formal workers. Most enter the informal economy not by choice, but due to lack of opportunities. Without concerted action to encourage a transition to formal employment, social justice will not be fulfilled. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: 2024 World Day of Social Justice campaign "Global Coalition for Social Justice: Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances."will highlight the crucial role of international collaboration and solidarity in addressing social justice within the framework of multilateralism. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE IT?
Background and Global Challenges: As we face persistent global challenges – geopolitical instability, economic uncertainties, and the climate crisis – it's imperative to address longstanding challenges in our systems. These challenges exacerbate structural inequalities, pushing millions further behind. In 2023, labour markets showed surprising resilience despite economic downturns. Yet, recovery remains uneven, with new vulnerabilities eroding prospects for social justice. The need to bridge gaps and build alliances is therefore increasingly crucial. Moreover, labour market outlook and global unemployment will both worsen with an extra two million workers expected to be looking for jobs in 2024, raising the global unemployment rate from 5.1% in 2023 to 5.2%. As the ILO points out in its latest World Employment and Social Outlook report, as of 2023:
241 million workers lived in extreme poverty.
423 million workers lived in moderate poverty.
These alarming numbers underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of working poverty and boost economic opportunities globally.
Let's amplify the call to action for greater equality in the world. Together governments, employers and workers can shape a path for a #futureofwork with social justice and decent work for all. Join the public lecture entitled “From Justice for the Past to Peace and Inclusi on for the Future: A Development Approach to Transitional Justice.” Join the celebration by following the hastags #SocialJusticeDay.
ACTIONS
Increase understanding of multiple global challenges and related social justice deficits.
Propose concrete actions to achieve international development goals, including through a new global social contract.
Around the world, as structural issues impair the creation of decent jobs:
Governments must strengthen domestic economies through initiatives to raise productivity growth and living standards.
Utilize international cooperation instruments to foster regional productivity initiatives.
Make better use of multilateral development funds and expedite support to the most fragile economies.
This includes a whole-of-society approach to education and learning thus unlocking their transformational potential as a source for personal dignity and empowerment and a driving force for the advancement of social, economic, political, and cultural development. Additionally, it will be imperative to ensure responses from multiple policy levers spanning economic, social and environmental dimensions, particularly in tackling key transitions of jobs and social protection. As Member States negotiate key considerations for SIDS4, LLDC3, the Summit of the Future and World Social Summit, it is vital that we live up to the pledge of the Copenhagen Declaration to making the eradication of poverty, the goal of full employment and social justice overriding objectives of development.
PARTNERSHIPS
The World Day of Social Justice is organized in Partnerships with the UNDGACM, the United Nations Department of Social Affairs (UNDESA); International Labour Organization (ILO).the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Permanent Missions of the United Nations.
To mark World Day of Social Justice, UNDP asked four Generation17 young leaders to share their thoughts and experiences in relation to this key development priority. From Mali to Brazil, from South Korea to Argentina, issues of social justice sit at the core of these young leaders’ expertise, purpose and work, as they are inextricably linked to the causes of the many complex development challenges that UNDP and partners, including youth, work to address.
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More than 45000 boys and girls were released from detention during the ... and restricted access to essential social and justice services.