PURPOSES: 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: "Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future." World Day of Social Justice 2025. The observance of the day help remind us of the need to build a fairer and more equitable world and to urge all efforts to combat unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. Strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future means making sure our move toward low-carbon economies benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable. It requires a holistic approach that weaves environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that workers, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities receive the support they need—through retraining, job creation, and strong social protection measures. In other words, decarbonization and economic transformation should go hand in hand with policies that fight poverty, reduce inequality, and open up opportunities for all. At the heart of this vision is the idea of integrating “just transition” principles into both global and national policies. When these principles are built into sustainable development agendas—such as those discussed at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2)—policymakers can create a fairer environment where the costs of change are shared equitably. For example, targeted green skills training, comprehensive social protection, and community-led economic diversification can help ensure that the decline of fossil fuel industries doesn’t lead to long-term unemployment or increased social inequality. Instead, these measures redirect investments into emerging green sectors, building a resilient workforce and a more equitable society. Ultimately, strengthening a just transition is about re-imagining our economic and environmental systems to prioritize people as much as the planet. It’s a call to shift the focus from simply decarbonizing to also redistributing opportunities and resources so that sustainable growth benefits everyone. Through collective action and inclusive policies, we can create a future where environmental integrity and social equity go hand in hand, forming the foundation of a truly sustainable global economy. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #20February, #SocialJusticeDay.
EVENTS: At UNHQ New York; On February 20th, from 01:15 PM. -02:30 PM. (EST); Conference Room 6; The 2025 World Day of Social Justice, convened by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Division for Inclusive Social Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), will focus on “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future.” This year's event takes on special significance as the world prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2). As the global community faces unprecedented challenges from climate change, economic transitions, and social inequalities, the event will explore how inclusive policies can ensure that climate action leads to more and better jobs, reduces inequalities, and fosters sustainable development. Key topics for panel discussions include:
The role of macroeconomic policies and trade frameworks in ensuring inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and social justice.
Strategies for an equitable transition to a low-carbon, job-rich economy, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, and green infrastructure.
Innovative financing mechanisms to support low-income and climate-vulnerable countries in transitioning to sustainable economies.
The importance of social protection systems, education, and skills development in preparing workers for the emerging green economy.
The event will also emphasize multi-stakeholder collaboration, leveraging the Global Coalition for Social Justice to align the efforts of governments, businesses, trade unions, and civil society. Join the conversation on 20 February 2025 to explore actionable solutions that advance social justice and build a sustainable future for all. Read the Concept Note | Flyer and Register here
On February 20th, On the occasion; The ILO will mark World Day of Social Justice 2025 with a series of five events held in major cities around the globe. The events will bring together high-level speakers from across the world of work to discuss how to put social justice at the centre of international, national and regional policy agendas. 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 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).
From From 05:00 - 06:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Achieving universal social health protection for social justice in Asia and the Pacific.” will be held. Join ILO Regional Office for Asia Pacific, Director, representatives of academics, members of the Mahidol University, Bangkok, and experts in the field of Social Protection as they discuss how to reinforce commitment to universal social health protection through inclusive policies and to strengthen knowledge-sharing for advancing social health protection. Watch the live event!
From: 07:00 to 08:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Social justice in the digital era: AI's impact on the labour market.’’ will be held. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the ILO Regional office for Europe, is hosting a high-level discussion featuring ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, EESC President Oliver Röpke, Ministers of Labour from various EU member countries and partners of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, and senior representatives from EU institutions, European social partners, academia, and civil society. The event will explore how Artificial Intelligence is set to transform the world of work, focusing on opportunities to harness AI to promote decent work, foster inclusive labour markets, and advance gender equality. Watch the live event!
From 09:00 - 10:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Decent work in Africa: A key component of Social Justice.’’. To mark the day, the Regional Office for Africa is hosting a high-level panel discussion on how to advance social justice through decent work in Africa. The event will highlight the impact of ILO projects on improving lives and fostering greater social justice. The panel will feature representatives from the government, the ILO Regional Director for Africa, a young entrepreneur, a cultural sector representative, and a partner from the Global Coalition. Watch the live event!
From 11:00 - 12:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Social justice in the field of work: A new social contract for Latin America.’’. Join the ILO Regional of for Latin America and the Caribbean, the co-authors of the book Justicia Social y Trabajo: desde la perspectiva de América Latina y el Caribe, and a representative from the European Union in Peru for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities of advancing social justice in the region through the framework of a new social contract. Watch the live event!
From 13:30 - 14:30 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future.’’ Join key representatives from the United Nations in New York, Member States, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), along with the Special Advisor on Climate Action and Just Transition (TBC) and the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (TBC), for an engaging discussion on driving sustainable climate action through a Just Transition. The session will also highlight opportunities to build a socially inclusive and empowered low-carbon economy. Watch the live event!
Get the agenda Programme and Watch the Commemorative Event.
INITIATIVES: "Bridging Gaps and Building Alliances". A ground-breaking initiative will be launched to help 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. In support of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
Conferences and summits: 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.
STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Day of Social Justice 2025; February 20th and the Statement of the ILO Director General on World Day of Social Justice 2025; February 20th.
PUBLICATIONS: Social Security for All. Investing in social justice and economic development, produced by the ILO, Social Security Department.
English, in French, in Spanish.
A fair globalization: Creating opportunities for all: Using worldwide expertise, examines the various facets of globalization, the diversity of public perceptions of the process, and its implications for economic and social progress. Proposes a series of coordinated measures across a broad front to improve governance and accountability at both national and international levels. These include fairer rules for international trade, investment, finance and migration, which take account of all interests, rights and responsibilities; measures to promote core labour standards and a minimum level of social protection in the global economy; and new efforts to mobilize international resources to raise capabilities and meet the Development Goals. Maps out the priorities for national, local and regional policies which can empower people to participate effectively in the opportunities of globalization. Content also available in:español and français;
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: Join the World Day of Social Justice 2025 campaign "Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future."to put social justice at the centre of international, national and regional policy agendas. 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.
Learn more about:
The World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 & Trends 2024.
The Social Justice in an Open World: The Role of the United Nations.
The Achievement of social justice.
The report of ILO Director-General to the International Labour Conference 2024.
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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.